The federal government is planning to match donations made by Canadians to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Now through March 18, Global Affairs Canada will match up to $10-million in donations made to the Canadian Red Cross, adding to the millions in aid and loans already promised to Ukraine by the government.
Russian troops began invading Ukraine on Thursday, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two self-proclaimed regions within Ukraine.
"The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine requires all of us to come together," said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. "That is why we are supporting Canadians who are already showing their support for Ukraine by donating to the Canadian Red Cross by matching their donations, dollar for dollar. We know we have more to do to support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine."
The Canadian government has already set aside $50-million for developmental support, as well as $620-million in sovereign loans to the country.
Donations made to the Canadian Red Cross will be placed in its Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. Those funds will then be funnelled to groups like the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, other national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
