During her visit to Canada, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska met with key Canadian philanthropists and partners who have supported Ukrainians since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, helped rebuild the country, and invested in the future of Ukrainian children.
Among them was the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), which launched large-scale humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (UHA) just four days after Russia’s invasion began. According to official CUF data, more than 7 million Ukrainians have benefited from this assistance. This includes ambulances, medical equipment, generators, and equipment for emergency services. Another important area has been support for Ukrainians who were forced to move to Canada because of the war.
Olena Zelenska also met with the family of philanthropist James Temerty, who received the National Legend of Ukraine award from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a year ago in recognition of his significant support for our country during its defense against Russia. With James Temerty’s support, the Olena Zelenska Foundation provided generators, heating equipment, and household appliances to residents of liberated communities in the Kharkiv region to help them get through the difficult winters. The partnership has grown into a long-term project: rebuilding a large children’s arts and sports center in Borodyanka, in the Kyiv region.
“This center will offer sports and arts programs ranging from boxing and soccer to dance, model aviation, and robotics. It is also critically important to us that the center will be barrier-free and accessible to all children. During my meeting in Canada with the Temerty family at the museum they founded, I am taking the opportunity to invite the philanthropists to Borodyanka for the center’s opening next year and to see the results of our partnership,” the First Lady said.
During the meetings, Olena Zelenska presented the results of the Foundation’s work. In cooperation with international partners, the Foundation is implementing systemic humanitarian projects across Ukraine: 24 homes for large foster families have already been built, and work continues to create safe conditions for children. In particular, 38 shelters have been equipped, allowing more than 18,000 children to return to in-person learning, and a network of Schools of Superheroes has been established in 17 regions of Ukraine.
“All of this is being made possible thanks to international partners from 35 countries around the world, and we are always happy to welcome and grateful for new ones, because they will help improve many more lives. Together with Ukraine’s international friends, such as the Temerty family and the CUF team, we are using every opportunity to make life better for Ukrainian children,” the President’s wife emphasized.