NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is pleased to announce that Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE community investment initiative has invested $25,000 for the YMCA’s Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund to support newcomer Ukrainian families in Simcoe County.
Facing the adversity of war and displacement, Ukrainian families seeking safety and a new start endure unimaginable hardships and challenges. The journey from familiar surroundings to a foreign country with a new language and no support system comes with countless barriers. The YMCA, recognizing the critical need to support newcomers in our community, established the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund to aid Ukrainian families arriving in Simcoe County.
The fund was born through the advocacy of selfless community volunteers seeking to meet the immediate needs of Ukrainian women and children under the Canadian-Ukraine Authorizations for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
Holders of CUAET, unlike refugees, qualify for temporary work permits in Canada for up to three years, thus receiving different supports from the Canadian government. The YMCA’s dedicated Immigrant Services staff and volunteers are working tirelessly with CUAET holders to help them integrate into the Simcoe County community.
The Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund aims to extend financial assistance beyond governmental aid, to meet essential needs including housing, food, health care and other emergencies that may surface during the resettlement process not covered by government funding.
ScotiaRISE funding will help the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund fill the gap for Ukrainian families resettling in Simcoe County. This support is profoundly appreciated and will significantly enhance the YMCA’s efforts to help Ukrainian newcomers make a new start.
Jill Tettmann, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, stated: “With our Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund, we strive to serve as a beacon of hope, providing crucial resources and support to those building new lives in our community. This program would not be possible without our remarkable volunteers and the extraordinary YMCA Immigrant Services team. Staff members like Yana Skybin, our settlement counsellor, are doing incredible work on a daily basis providing Ukrainian families with much needed supports adjusting to life in Canada.”
Tettmann also extended her sincere thanks to Scotiabank on behalf of YMCA staff, volunteers and Ukrainian families, for their support of the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund: "We express our deepest gratitude to Scotiabank for their ScotiaRISE partnership and support which promises to make a significant impact on many families’ lives. This funding will empower our team to continue bringing critical services to Ukrainian newcomers and their families as they start anew in our community.”
“ScotiaRISE helps support initiatives that provide opportunities for everyone to have the chance to reach their full potential,” said Adam Bonnell, district vice-president for Barrie at Scotiabank. “By working together and supporting the YMCA’s Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund, we can help create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information on how you can help the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka continue to shine a light on those in need, visit their website at GiveToTheY.ca.
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