Mohawk, Ontario colleges supporting Ukrainian crisis fund

Mohawk College has partnered with a number of colleges across Ontario to make a joint donation of $200,000 to UNICEF’s Ukraine emergency fund.

“Millions of people are being displaced by this war, mostly women and young people,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, “and millions more are struggling to live in an environment full of uncertainty and violence. We want to help to provide families with the necessities they need to survive in this crisis and to ease their hardship in a small way.”

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, Mohawk is providing counselling, academic and financial assistance to Ukrainian and Russian students who have been affected by the war, as they try to continue their studies far from their homes and loved ones.  Additional assistance is expected to be in place for the students in the coming weeks.

Colleges across Ontario are assisting impacted students in similar ways, as institutions strive to support the wellness and academic success of college students at their institutions.

“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.”