St. Basil’s parish received the Humanitarian Aid Settlement grant from the Eparchy. With the grant, they put together over 180 hygiene kits to aid Ukrainian newcomers, distributed to the Kalyna Kids, the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, and to their English classes. 

The English classes were started by the parish for newcomers to learn or become more familiar with the language. They are available on select Saturday mornings and Monday nights and are fully booked up, with 60 registrants! The parish is planning to have more classes available in the fall and winter. 

For their second initiative, they are planning to put together backpacks with school supplies in preparation for Ukrainian national students starting school. Backpacks are being planned for kindergarten to grade 6. 

Their third initiative is to host fundraiser pyrohy suppers to open their hearts and doors to Ukrainian nationals. All proceeds go toward initiatives to support Ukrainian nationals coming to Edmonton. Read about their successful dinner here!

Another initiative the parish is doing is reimbursing medical services and equipment for newcomers (arrived after February 24, 2022), up to $300 per person. 

What is required to be reimbursed? A proof of landing, government issues identification, the medical invoice from the doctor’s office, and filling out a form to claim it, which is available at their parish office. The parish is doing what it can and there are a limited amount of spots so please email kathys61@telus.net to apply.

Thank you to all of the parishioners and community who have been assisting with these initiatives. You can learn more about their initiatives by keeping up with their Facebook page.

We pray for the Ukrainian nationals and for them to find peace and freedom. We hope that the war will end soon. Say a prayer for Ukraine, or watch Bishop David’s homily here. You can make a donation to support Ukraine here.