Support for Ukraine throughout WSD

On Feb. 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine and started the largest military conflict on European soil since the Second World War.

The result has been a humanitarian crisis on several fronts: millions of Ukrainians have been displaced to neighbouring countries, while others continue to struggle inside the Ukraine.

Schools across WSD are rallying in support of Ukraine, and together they are seeking ways to help those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Many schools are donating to the Canadian Red Cross, after the Canadian government pledged to match donations to Red Cross’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to a maximum of $30 million.

Ukrainian Bilingual Program at Ralph Brown 

WSD’s Ukrainian Bilingual Program at Ralph Brown School exposes students to Ukrainian culture, traditions and language. The students and teachers have many close connections to Ukraine and their people.

The bilingual students discuss the current conflict in Ukraine every day. Teachers have maps up on classroom walls and open discussions in the classroom for students.

Teacher Oksana Melnyk came to Canada from Ukraine and now teaches in the bilingual program at Ralph Brown. She still has many close ties to her home country, including family and friends who still live there.

“Personally and emotionally, it’s very hard on me. The kids support me, and our staff help out when I come to work,” said Melnyk.

“There’s been huge support from our teachers. They’ve approached me on who to donate to and how they can help. This is what Canada is about, to help and give us hope that things will get better.”

Ralph Brown is doing many fundraisers to help raise funds and provide food for Ukrainian refugees who’ve had to flee their homes. They’ve auctioned off a Ukrainian jersey and are planning to sell bracelets and “Stand with Ukraine” posters.

“I am very proud of my school. I’m blessed; the people are truly amazing,” said Melnyk.

Ribbons For Ukraine

At École River Heights School, the student sustainable development group is leading the way in fundraising efforts.

Students have been making and selling Ukraine awareness ribbons. They also reached out to local Members of Parliament, who in turn donated 250 Canada pins. The pins were then given away as an incentive to people who donated two dollars or more; the promotion proved so popular that all of the pins went in one day.

“We are overwhelmed by how much support we got from the community, and our students see people coming together united for the same cause,” said Vice-Principal Lauranne Parnell.

While students and staff continue to fundraise, students are also thinking of other ways to make a difference.

“Our students sent letters to MPs asking the government to eliminate some of the paperwork that Ukrainians need to come to Canada. This would help expedite the process and get them here sooner,” Parnell said.

Students are also planning food and clothing drives once refugees start arriving.

“We will continue to support as long as possible,” Parnell said.

Soup for Ukraine

At Tec Voc High School, the Culinary Arts program collaborated with Youth in Philanthropy students to sell cabbage soup and perogy soup. Local suppliers, including Peak of the Market, Pratts Wholesale, Canada Wrap, Bothwell Cheese and Binner Marketing, donated all of the food and packaging for the fundraising project.

Staff and students volunteered for three evenings to make gallons of soup. Together they cut vegetables, printed labels, cooked and packaged over 450 one-litre containers of soup to sell.

All proceeds from the fundraiser are being donated to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

Flags for Ukraine

Prairie Rose, Ralph Brown and Mulvey schools have partnered to sell car decals in support of Ukraine.

The colourful decals features several design elements, including the Ukrainian flag, a trident (Ukraine’s national symbol), and the messages “Stand with Ukraine” and “Glory to Ukraine.”

Prairie Rose Principal Ken Romaniuk organized the fundraising initiative.

“We are focusing on raising funds until March 18 because the Canadian government will match all donations,” Romaniuk said. “The recovery effort and support for Ukraine will continue to be required after March 18. It’s been amazing to see how people are being so supportive.”

Romaniuk shared how the current war in Ukraine is impacting students.

“Students have many questions; they are asking why is this happening and why are people suffering. It’s been difficult to navigate all of this and explain it to students.”

Cookies for Ukraine

Students at École secondaire Kelvin High School are spearheading efforts to support the people of Ukraine. The result has been several fundraisers, including a cookie sale.

“One of our students has a connection with Goodies Bakery. They donated cookies decorated in the Ukrainian flag colours,” said Kelvin Social Worker Rob Marriott, who is the primary support for student-led fundraisers.  “We also sold ‘Stand with Ukraine’ buttons.”

Marriot said there are many students impacted by the invasion and war in Ukraine.

“We’re still dealing with the pandemic and adding the impact of the war, it’s affecting a lot of people,” he said.

“Together, our guidance department and school psychologist are looking at how we can support students. We’re looking at what social and emotional supports we can put into place.” 

Kelvin staff and students are looking into creating a space for students to gather, have conversations and support each other. This would include having art stations.

“Students can do art to express their feelings and learn strategies for when they are stressed,” Marriot said. “We want to meet students where they are at.”