The vital work of a local organization assisting Ukrainian newcomers to Canada has been enhanced by a
recent donation from the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
On Jan. 10, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a cheque for $1,500 to Irene Newton,
President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Niagara Chapter, to provide support for the work the
organization is doing to help Ukrainians who are arriving in Niagara.
During the weekly meeting, Irene provided an update on the tremendous work that the local Ukrainian
community has done over the past two years both to support those families fleeing Ukraine as a result
of the war, as well as to send support to Ukraine. She noted that containers of aid items are regularly
sent from Niagara to Poland and then on to Ukraine. Through posts made to Facebook they are then
able to see that the items they have sent are arriving in Ukraine.
The UCC-Niagara chapter applied for support from Rotary through the fall round of community
applications. The funds provided by the Rotary Club, will assist the organization in providing direct
support for Ukrainian newcomers here in Niagara. This will include purchasing items such as mattresses,
tables, food, medication and clothing. Irene and other members of the UCC-Niagara work collaboratively
with the Niagara community to assist in finding accommodation and employment.
They assist with documentation such as getting drivers’ licences and provide translation services. They
support settling the children into schools and helping with the children while the parent is attending
important appointments. They also work to engage the newcomers with the local Ukrainian community
to support the on-going understanding of the culture and traditions of Ukraine.
UCC-Niagara continues to work to advocate on behalf of the newcomers and continues to raise funds
and awareness to support both those still in Ukraine as well as those new to Niagara.
To learn more about the many ways in which the Rotary Club of Fonthill has a positive impact on its
community, please visit rotarycluboffonthill.ca. For further information on the Ukrainian Canadian
Congress, visit ucc.ca.