July 7, 2022
Lethbridge, AB (July 7, 2022) – The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta responded to the recent arrival of Ukrainian nationals in Southwestern Alberta with a $20,000 grant to the Lethbridge Family Services’ Immigrant Services Department. This grant will support those fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking a temporary safe haven in Canada.
Ukrainian families who are arriving in our community are considered temporary refugees, as most are expected to return to their home once it is safe to do so. This ultimately means that they are not eligible for the government support available to refugees who resettle permanently in Canada. While the Government of Alberta announced additional support earlier this week for Ukrainian nationals, this grant is our way of welcoming these families and, hopefully, helping to make their transition and their time here a bit easier.
“We are absolutely delighted and hugely appreciative of this extremely kind gesture from the Community Foundation,” said John Lafferty, Director of the Lethbridge Family Services Immigrant Services Department. “This significant act of kindness will go towards enabling the successful settlement of displaced Ukrainians into the community; to set them up for success so that they feel a sense of belonging during this uncertain and anxious time for them. We are truly grateful for this generous extension of support to the newly arrived displaced Ukrainian population in Southwestern Alberta.”
The grant comes from the Community Foundation’s Community Priorities Fund, which is the result of donations from generous individuals since 1966. Gifts to the Community Priorities Fund are unrestricted, and serve the most pressing needs of the community. The grant will be used to purchase bus passes, food, and children’s items, and to offset medical expenses. The Community Foundation encourages all Ukrainian nationals who arrive in Southwestern Alberta to contact Lethbridge Family Services at 403-320-1589 so that they can receive the assistance they need.
Anyone wishing to support the Ukrainian nationals through the Community Foundation can do so, please contact the Community Foundation for more information. All proceeds will go directly to Ukrainian support, and will not be allocated to the Community Foundation’s endowment fund. This grant is intended for all Ukrainian nationals throughout Southwestern Alberta, and to access support please contact the Immigrant Services department at Lethbridge Family Services at 403-320-1589.
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