Conestoga has partnered with a number of other colleges across Ontario to make a donation of $200,000 to UNICEF’s Ukraine emergency fund.
Donations to the fund will support the organization’s ongoing programs and respond to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education. UNICEF has been working in Ukraine since 1997.
“The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is deeply concerning,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “We want to help children and families access essential supplies and services and help ease their burdens at this difficult time.”
Eighteen of Ontario’s public colleges contributed to the joint donation, along with contributions from Colleges Ontario (the sector’s advocacy organization) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
Conestoga is also supporting students directly affected by the Ukraine situation by offering tuition deferral and emergency relief bursaries to those with immediate need as well as facilitating connections with college and community supports.
“So many Ukrainian men, women and children are either displaced or living through the terrible situation in Ukraine,” said Linda Franklin, the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “This tragedy has affected everyone on our campuses and created a strong desire to help.”