News Article

STEPHENVILLE, NL – Reaching a goal is always satisfying; surpassing it gives an even more rewarding feeling.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) set out on a three-week Ukraine Humanitarian Aid fundraising campaign in March with the hope of raising $20,000. The money would be given directly to the Canadian Red Cross to provide support to the people in the war-torn area.

CNA has presented the Canadian Red Cross with a cheque for $28,640. 

Liz Kidd, CNA's President & CEO, spearheaded the fundraiser through the college’s Office of Alumni & Advancement, is thrilled the college was able to help in a time of need. es

“When someone is in need, you have to step up and help,” said Kidd. “We are proud to see CNA’s support for those who are suffering. We thank everyone who contributed to this effort because we know we couldn’t do this alone. It is also heartwarming to see our partners come forward to match the first $10,000 we raised. It shows we are all dedicated to making the world a better place, whether that be making a difference in the lives of our students or providing humanitarian aid to a war-torn country, we have to set the bar and lead by example.”

Gloria Warren Slade, Manager, Corporate & Community Engagement for the Canadian Red Cross in Newfoundland and Labrador, agrees and appreciates the support for this essential cause.

“This is an amazing show of support, “she said. “It just goes to show the power of a collective effort in support of a highly critical cause.”

To raise the funds, a call was made to CNA’s employees, students, alumni, and the college’s community partners. Warren Slade says every dollar helps as the need is urgent.

“The humanitarian needs are immense and getting worse every day, with an estimated 14 million people in need of humanitarian assistance,” she said. “The biggest needs are for financial assistance, accommodations, access to health care and water, and essential household items such as infant supplies, hygiene items, clothing, and food. This is where the Red Cross is concentrating its efforts right now.”

Warren Slade says the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal  has been one of the largest assistance programs in the organization’s history.

“Since the crisis began, the Red Cross has reached more than 2.2 million people with support within Ukraine, neighbouring countries, as well as other European countries,” she said. “So far, $6.2 million in cash assistance has been distributed to people impacted by the crisis in one of the largest cash assistance programs in history.”

Warren Slade says volunteers are on the ground and surrounding areas helping as much as possible.

“More than 93,000 trained Red Cross volunteers are actively responding to meet people’s needs, providing them with mental health and psychosocial support, first aid, health care, hygiene items, child-friendly spaces, and access to clean water. More than 220,000 people have received mental health and psychosocial support services and more than 46,000 children have been welcomed in Red Cross child-friendly spaces.”

So far, the Canadian Red Cross has contributed $82.5 million to the international Red Cross response, with approximately two-thirds of that amount to support people in Ukraine, and one-third to help people displaced in surrounding countries.

Kidd says CNA is also doing what it can to support the Ukraine effort locally. A second Job Fair, organized by TaskforceNL, will be held at Prince Philip Drive campus on Thursday, June 23. Space is limited.

“We encourage more businesses and organizations to look inward and see what they can do to provide assistance to the Ukraine refugees entering Newfoundland and Labrador,” she said. “The need continues to be real and urgent.”

To donate, visit: www.cna.nl.ca/give or the Canadian Red Cross, visit www.redcross.ca.
 

Media contact:
Ryanne McIsaac
Content Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7870
Ryanne.mcisaac@cna.nl.ca