September 2026 Campaign: Humanitarian Aid for Kharkiv and Donetsk | Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton

The war in Ukraine continues to bring suffering, destruction and displacement to countless families. People living near the front lines are forced to leave their homes with little more than what they can carry. As winter approaches, the need for food, medicine, warmth and basic necessities becomes increasingly urgent.

This September, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton is inviting the faithful to support displaced families in the Exarchates of Kharkiv and Donetsk through a special humanitarian campaign.

Our goal is to raise $60,000 to send two semi-truckloads of essential supplies, including food, medicine, blankets, heaters, generators and other necessities.

Other Ukrainian Catholic eparchies in Canada and the United States are focusing on different affected areas and needs in Ukraine. Through these efforts, the faithful across North America can respond to the urgent needs of people suffering because of the war.

Our Goal: $60,000 for Kharkiv and Donetsk

The Eparchy of Edmonton’s goal is to raise $60,000 for two semi-truckloads of humanitarian supplies.

These supplies will support communities serving displaced families in the Exarchates of Kharkiv and Donetsk. Many of these families continue to arrive from dangerous frontline villages and towns, often carrying only a few personal belongings.

They need food. They need medicine. They need warm blankets, heaters and generators. They need the basic supplies that can help them survive the winter with dignity.

As we have done in previous humanitarian appeals, the Eparchy of Edmonton is collaborating with CNEWA — the Catholic Near East Welfare Association — our trusted humanitarian partner in Ukraine. All funds raised through the September 2026 Campaign will be sent to CNEWA to support urgent humanitarian needs and Church-led relief efforts on the ground.

Bishop Andriy Rabiy’s Visit to Kharkiv

During a personal visit to Kharkiv from July 19–21, Bishop Andriy Rabiy, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, met with Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, Exarch of Kharkiv, and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to distribute emergency assistance to displaced families.

Seeing their work firsthand highlighted the immense and urgent needs facing people in eastern Ukraine.

In the Kharkiv region, more than 520,000 people have been forced from their homes because of the war, including more than 200,000 displaced people in the city of Kharkiv alone.

Families continue to arrive from dangerous frontline communities. Many have lost their homes, their livelihoods and the security of their everyday lives. They depend on the support of local churches, volunteers and humanitarian organizations.

Every Thursday, between 1,500 and 2,000 people gather at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Kharkiv seeking assistance. They come looking for food, medicine, clothing, shoes and other basic necessities.

These numbers represent real people — families who have been forced to leave home and begin again in unfamiliar circumstances.

Responding to Urgent Needs

The purpose of this campaign is simple: to provide practical help where it is urgently needed.

A box of food can help feed a family that has been displaced by war. Medicine can provide essential care. A warm blanket or heater can help someone endure the winter. A generator can provide electricity when infrastructure has been damaged, or power is unavailable.

Each donation helps the Church continue responding to families who have lost so much.

Through our collaboration with CNEWA, funds raised through this campaign will support humanitarian relief for people affected by the war in Ukraine. CNEWA works with trusted Church and relief partners serving vulnerable communities on the ground.

Standing Together as One Church

The Ukrainian Catholic Church continues to stand beside the people of Ukraine throughout the war. Churches and community spaces remain places of prayer, refuge, assistance and hope.Priests, religious, volunteers and lay faithful continue to serve displaced families and communities under extraordinarily difficult conditions.

Here in Canada, we are part of that same Church.

Our distance from Ukraine does not separate us from the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Through prayer and generosity, we can help the Church continue its humanitarian mission.A single donation may seem small compared with the scale of the war. But when our parishes and communities come together, individual gifts become truckloads of supplies, warm meals, medicine and essential assistance for people who urgently need it. Most importantly, our support reminds the people of Ukraine that they are not forgotten and that they are not alone.

Help Us Reach $60,000

We invite you to support the September 2026 Campaign: Humanitarian Aid for Kharkiv and Donetsk and help the Eparchy of Edmonton reach its goal of $60,000.

All funds raised through this campaign will be sent to CNEWA to support humanitarian relief in the Exarchates of Kharkiv and Donetsk.

Make a Donation

Donate online through the Eparchy of Edmonton donation page and select the fund:

“September 2026 Campaign: Kharkiv and Donetsk Aid”

You may also support the campaign through your local parish. Please indicate your donation as “Kharkiv and Donetsk Aid.”

As one Ukrainian Catholic Church across continents, let us continue to pray for Ukraine — and let our prayer lead us to action.

Please consider donating today. Together, we can provide practical help, hope and care to displaced families in Kharkiv and Donetsk.

May God bless your generosity and continue to protect the people of Ukraine.