TIMMINS, ON: Northern College is pleased to announce that it has partnered with a number of colleges across Ontario to make a joint donation of $200,000 to Unicef’s Ukraine emergency fund.

“Our hearts go out to all those whose lives are being torn apart,” stated Dr. Audrey J. Penner, Northern College President & CEO. “We want to help families get the necessities they need and try to make their lives a little easier in this way.”

Donations to the Ukraine emergency fund will support the organization’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education. UNICEF has been working in Ukraine since 1997.

“This cause is dear to our hearts at Northern,” added Penner. “Each of our campus communities has a long and direct history of immigration; our communities are comprised of people from all walks of life and different parts of the world. Recognizing and contributing the needs of others is intrinsic to us as Northerners and what we want to instill in our students.”

In addition to other supports, 18 colleges contributed to the joint donation, along with contributions from Colleges Ontario (the sector’s advocacy organization) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).

In addition to this monetary support, Northern College will be opening its doors to up to ten Ukrainian students wishing to continue their education and find safe haven in Canada. Northern College will be providing application, tuition, housing, work permit and career advising supports to help with their relocation.

Some colleges have opted to make significant contributions solely as individual institutions. These include supports such as tuition relief programs, new scholarships, counselling programs, community partnerships, assistance with housing, and more.

“So many Ukrainian men, women and children are either displaced or living through the terrible situation in Ukraine,” said Linda Franklin, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “This tragedy has affected everyone on our campuses and created a strong desire to help.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Kyle Gennings (he/him)
Communications & Government Relations Officer
Marketing, Communications, and External Relations
P. 705-235-3211 ext 2276
F. 705-235-6888
C. 705-288-1101