United Way British Columbia and BC211 have partnered with the Province of British Columbia, AMSSA, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and other Community Partners to support displaced Ukrainians arriving in British Columbia to settle into their new local communities.

United Way British Columbia was invited by the provincial government to support the integration into local communities of displaced Ukrainian people seeking refuge in BC. In coordination with others, UWBC will provide a compassionate response for arriving Ukrainians through the United for Ukraine initiative as they become new neighbors.  

Because UWBC is embedded in local communities across the province we can respond nimbly and knowledgeably to the needs as they arise, which makes us particularly equipped for this task.  

We also have two unique tools to leverage in support of newcomers: BC211 and iVolunteer.  

UWBC exists to support healthy communities and strengthen vital connections, this includes newcomers.  

This is local love in action.  

The Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is a temporary residence pathway, not a refugee stream. To support Ukrainians fleeing war, the government of Canada announced the (CUAET) program in March 2022. This program allows displaced Ukrainians to live and work temporarily in Canada for up to three years.

Because of the temporary status, there is a gap in services that United Way British Columbia and local community organizations are working to fill. Providing connections for volunteers, housing, and the donation of goods and services are some of the ways we are providing support.

We are very grateful that the provincial government has invited us to be part of the partnership that will make the settlement of displaced Ukrainians successful. They have enabled us to expand and specify the use of BC211, which will be integral to these efforts.

That being said, dollars provided by government are marked for very specific uses, but our donor’s generosity allows us to be nimble in meeting needs as they present in real-time: grocery gift cards, transportation for new arrivals without vehicles or BC drivers licenses, purchase of basic needs (toiletries, feminine hygiene products, etc.), and much more.  

Without our donors our ability to support vulnerable people is very limited, and we’re endlessly thankful for their generosity which makes our work possible.