Greater Saint John is coming together to help Ukrainian families who are arriving in the region.
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation recently launched the Ukrainian Welcome Fund.
As of Wednesday, a total of $32,000 had already been raised toward the $100,000 campaign goal.
Kelly Evans, president and CEO of the foundation, said all funds raised will go directly to the YMCA’s Newcomer Connections program.
“I know that this community will respond and be so welcoming to them. Not only for their settlement but hopefully to encourage people to stay as long as needed,” Evans said in an interview.
The fund was created by the Community Foundation in partnership with TD Wealth, The Saint John Region Chamber, and the United Way serving Saint John, Kings and Charlotte.
Shilo Boucher, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John, said the money will be used to help newcomers in a number of ways.
“Helping them with the basics and housing support, settling them here in Saint John, and language and employment,” said Boucher.
Boucher said they are aware of about 25 families that have already arrived in the region, and 100 others that have expressed interest.
“We were preparing for this response for a while and to hear that the community wanted to get behind it and support it is going to help us meet some of the basic needs for our Ukraine families that are arriving,” she said.
You can make a donation to the Ukrainian Welcome Fund through the Community Foundation’s website by clicking here.
