As Albertans and those around the world watch the conflict in Ukraine from afar, many can’t help but wonder what they can do to help.
From people donating time or money, to businesses donating part of their proceeds, there are a number of ways Albertans can show their support.
Here’s a quick look at a few ways people can help, and businesses who are collecting items and money to donate to humanitarian aid.
Donate to the Red Cross
Last week, the government of Canada announced it will match donations individuals make to the Canadian Red Cross to help bring humanitarian relief to Ukraine.
Individual donations made between Feb. 24 and March 18 will be matched to a maximum of $10 million.
Donations to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal can be made on the Canadian Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
Canada-Ukraine Foundation
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has created a GoFundMe and donation portal to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in Ukraine.
Cavelliot Designs
Edmonton’s Cavelliot Designs is selling handmade polymer clay sunflower pins with the Ukrainian flag in the middle. The pins are $16 each and $10 from each pin is being donated to the Red Cross.
As of mid-March, the business had donated more than $7,000 to the Red Cross through the initiative.
Confetti Sweets
Sherwood Park’s Confetti Sweets is selling six packs of blue and yellow sprinkle cookies for $10, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
Yo Baba!
Yo Baba! in Edmonton specializes in Ukrainian food. It has launched the #borschtforukraine campaign with 100 per cent of its borscht sales being donated to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
Red Sparrow Gallery
Lorraine Shulba at Edmonton’s Red Sparrow Gallery is half of the money she collects from sales of her sunflower prints to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.
Hansen Distillery
As many liquor stores move to ban the sale of Russian-made liquors, Hansen Distillery in Edmonton said it has seen a spike in interest in its Alberta-made vodka.
As a result, the distillery is donating $5 from each bottle it sells of its Barn Owl Gold Vodka to the Canadian Red Cross.
European Deli and Produce Market
The European Deli and Produce Market in Calgary has a QR code at its cash register that automatically sends people to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s website to donate. The market said the QR code will be on display for the foreseeable future.
Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage
This family-owned business, whose ancestors came from Ukraine, has donation jars set up at the tills with the goal of raising between $5,000 and $10,000 for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
Jazann Tattoo
Jazann, a tattoo artist at Fawn & Ember on Stony Plain Road, has selected five symbols representing Ukraine. Each four-inch tattoo costs $150 and 80 per cent of that will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross to help Ukraine.
Jazann’s mother’s family is Ukrainian and she hopes the donations help those who are being displaced by war.
Meest Edmonton
Meest Edmonton is offering free shipping for all individuals and organizations who want to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Arcadia Brewing
Edmonton’s Arcadia Brewing Co. is donating $2 from each four-pack of its hybrid sour sold to Save the Children Ukraine.
The brewery admitted on social media the Love Ire & Sour didn’t turn out exactly how they wanted, so it was pulled from the shelves. The four packs are now on special for $12 each.
Rosso Coffee Roasters
Calgary’s Rosso Coffee Roasters is selling bags of coffee to support the people of Ukraine.
“We’ve brought back the fan favourite Brazilian coffee, Santa Lucia, as an online fundraiser for the people of Ukraine,” the coffee roasters wrote on their website.
The proceeds will go to Humanitarian Coalition for food, water, shelter, medical supplies and other assistance in Ukraine.
Do you know of an Alberta business that is supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine? Email the details to Caley Gibson.