Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal: $215,000 raised!

March 16, 2022

As the devastating conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the need for humanitarian relief is urgent and ongoing. To maximize our collective impact in this dark time, the Raymond James Canada Foundation launched an internal donation-matching campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross.

Our Raymond James Ltd colleagues responded immediately and with incredible generosity. Our initial goal of $50,000 in less than 24 hours, and in just one week, we raised over $100,000! With the Raymond James Canada Foundation match, we contributed a total of $215,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

“As the world watches the deteriorating situation in Ukraine with great concern, you did not hesitate to act,” shares Janet Johnson, Chief Development Officer – Philanthropy, Canadian Red Cross. “The humanitarian consequences of this escalation in hostilities will be severe. Still, in the face of all this, you chose to stand with people in Ukraine. It’s because of supporters like you that those impacted in Ukraine do not have to face this crisis alone. By rallying your community, you have made theirs more resilient.”

“It is part of who we are,” explains Jamie Coulter, Chief Executive Officer, Raymond James Ltd.  “Helping others is an integral part of our culture at Raymond James, especially in these challenging times. The millions of people impacted by the violence in Ukraine need our urgent support, and I am proud and humbled by the overwhelming response from our colleagues. To everyone who donated, thank you. Your compassion and generosity speak volumes.”

Many donors were motivated by the harrowing images on the news. Some were moved by their own refugee experience, knowing first-hand the fear and hardship that come with being forced from your home. For others, the crisis in Ukraine is deeply personal, with friends and family struggling to find safety as the violence escalates.

“As a member of the Ukrainian-Canadian community, it is hard to not get overwhelmed with the humanitarian crisis going on in Ukraine and at its borders,” shares Elana Balaura, Advisor Assistant with BCU Wealth Management team in Toronto.  “My friend is accompanying a journalist to the Polish-Ukrainian Border as a translator, and she showed us the reality of what the refugees were experiencing: they are in need of food, water, medicine.  She also showed us the intense emotions expressed not only from the sadness of their situation, but also from the generosity of the volunteers. I would like to thank each and every associate who generously donated. Your funds will help heal and support those that have been displaced who will forever be changed by this nightmare.”

Thank you to all of our advisors and associates for demonstrating that #RJCares.

FROM THE CANADIAN RED CROSS

The Red Cross Movement has drastically scaled up its response in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Our teams are gravely concerned about access to basic needs such as water, food, shelter, and healthcare. Here are a few of the ways the Red Cross is helping so far:

• Providing emergency relief items (water, food, blankets, family tents, hygiene kits, etc.), assisting displaced persons, and giving first aid training to people in shelters.
• Delivering water to hospitals and municipalities for essential services and setting up water points for people to collect water.
• Supporting health facilities with essential equipment and medicine.
• In neighbouring countries—including Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia—Red Cross teams are providing shelter and reception centres, first aid and immediate medical assistance, and water and food, especially in border regions.

We have been overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity of our supporters and could not be more grateful – it means everything to our Red Cross colleagues on the ground.