Georgian College has partnered with a number of colleges across Ontario to make a joint donation of $200,000 to Unicef’s Ukraine emergency fund.
“The attack on Ukraine and its citizens is an unjust war, and our hearts go out to all those whose lives are being torn apart during these dark and unsettling days,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, CEO and President of Georgian College. “We want to be a source of strength for our Ukrainian students and alumni, and this fund is one small way we can help ensure their families receive the necessities they need to make their lives a little easier right now.”
Donations to the Ukraine emergency fund will support the organization’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education. UNICEF has been working in Ukraine since 1997.
In addition to other supports, 18 colleges contributed to the joint donation, along with contributions from Colleges Ontario (the sector’s advocacy organization) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
Locally, Georgian is providing support to students affected by the attack on Ukraine by extending academic deadlines, offering tutoring and language assistance, providing mental health counselling, and assisting with short-term emergency housing. Students are also being assisted financially through tuition payment deferrals for summer semester, access to the Georgian Food Locker to assist with groceries, and an International Emergency Bursary. This emergency bursary, for students impacted by the attack on Ukraine, covers expenses for basic living and other unplanned expenses that have occurred at no fault of the student.
“So many Ukrainian men, women and children are either displaced or living through the terrible situation in Ukraine,” said Linda Franklin, the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “This tragedy has affected everyone on our campuses and created a strong desire to help.”