Updated: June 29, 2022
Millions of Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries over the past few months, and thousands of Ukrainians have already arrived in Canada. Within Ukraine, millions have been displaced, and millions more are without adequate water, electricity, and other necessities.
Many people in the McGill community are leading initiatives to bring support to people in Ukraine and new refugees. Upcoming and ongoing efforts include:
- McGill’s Virginia I. Douglas Center for Clinical Psychology is launching an initiative to provide psychological support to Ukrainian refugees. This initiative is led by Ukrainian-born Dr. Nate Fuks, the clinic director. Free mental health services will be offered by professionals who will receive training in evidence-based approaches to working with trauma. If you wish to volunteer as a mental health professional, donate to support the initiative, or to learn more, click here.
- To show their support for Ukraine, members of the McGill students trumpet studio recorded a moving instrumental version of the Ukrainian national anthem, “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava, i volia.” Listen.
- Young cancer patients forced from their homes and whose crucial treatment has been interrupted by war will soon arrive in Montreal to receive life-saving treatment at The Montreal Children’s Hospital. The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to help patients and their families upon their arrival in Quebec.
- Many local groups are organizing efforts to bring relief to Ukraine. MORSL (McGill Office of Religious and Spiritual Life) is maintaining a list of some of the volunteer opportunities currently available at Montreal organizations. If there is an opportunity or effort you’d like MORSL to add to its page, please send the information to morsl@mcgill.ca.
- The McGill Ukrainian Students’ Association (MUSA) is a SSMU cultural club that aims at bringing together all Ukrainian students at McGill. Follow them on Facebook to learn about volunteer and donation opportunities.
- Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has created a webform for departments wishing to admit new Ukrainian Graduate Students or Graduate Research Trainees. File reviews and funding approvals will be prioritized.