The news and images coming out of Ukraine over the past days have been beyond troubling; people fleeing with children and the elderly and their beloved pets; people taking shelter in metro stations as their city above is bombed; families torn apart as mothers and sisters leave for the safety of a neighbouring country while fathers and sons must remain behind.

Indeed, the United Nations has warned that nearly 3 million Ukrainians already need emergency assistance.

A humanitarian crisis of epic proportions is unfolding.

Myriad Canada has launched an Emergency Humanitarian Response Fund for Ukraine. Contributions will be distributed to projects implemented by three organizations working on the frontlines of the conflict: World Central Kitchen; GlobalMedic; and United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

World Central Kitchen

WCK has been on the ground serving hot, nourishing meals at the Poland-Ukraine border since February 24, with teams headed to Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, and Hungary. They are also working with restaurants in Odessa and Lviv to support families who have remained in Ukraine. WCK remains ready to expand their operations as the situation evolves.

GlobalMedic

With a long history of working in Ukraine, GlobalMedic’s team of partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries are working to provide temporary and longer-term shelter to those fleeing the fighting as well as emergency rations, fresh produce, hygiene kits and aid to refugees in Moldova, Slovakia and Romania.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)

The UNHCR provides shelter, food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to refugees. They have stepped up operations and capacity in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help Ukrainians that have been forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe.