Guelph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church asks for money instead of items to help people of Ukraine

The pastor of Guelph's Ukrainian Catholic Church said they have been overwhelmed with donated items, but they are running into logistical issues with shipping them overseas.

As Guelph residents watch the violence unfolding in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion of the eastern European country, many are searching for ways to help the Ukrainian people.

Father Andrij Figol, pastor of Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church on York Road, said he has already been overwhelmed by people contacting wanting to help.

“The compassion is beautiful,” he said in an interview on Tuesday. “Just the coming together, the solidarity — words can’t describe it, to be honest. It’s very moving.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, the church has been receiving various items for babies such as diapers, strollers and clothing along with first aid kits.

Figol has fielded calls from Mayor Cam Guthrie, city councillors, and other community leaders, all asking how they and residents can help.

A shipment of eight pallets was made on Tuesday and another is expected to go out later this week. But Father Figol said they are running into logistical challenges in getting the items into Ukraine.

“We don’t have the manpower to deliver and we don’t have the resources to collect them here or there,” he said.

“We can’t even get them to Ukraine or we can’t get them to the refugees because a lot of the ways of transporting things have changed because of the war. Some of the companies like FedEx are not travelling to Ukraine because of the war. Even getting to Poland, there are some logistical roadblocks.”