| Moncton (NB) — The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton in collaboration with BrainWorks Marketing and United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick officially launched a major community initiative to support Ukrainian families during a press conference at Moncton City Hall this afternoon. After two years of absence, “Greater Moncton Gives Back” returns under the Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick Give Back banner. The goal of the campaign is to raise a minimum of $1 million in funds to support resettlement of Ukrainian families who will arrive in the next few months in Southeast New Brunswick. Ukrainians fleeing war will be coming to Canada, mainly women, children and the elderly. Hundreds of them will be coming to Southeast New Brunswick in the coming weeks and months and some have already arrived over the past few weeks. The funds will be used to help newcomers in many ways – housing, food, transportation, clothing, education, medical and other resettlement and living costs “Heartfelt appreciation to all those supporting Ukrainians with such wonderful HOPE. Canada symbolized freedom and opportunity to our parents and we pray for Ukraine’s right for freedom. Slava Ukraini!” said Danica Lahanky Carroll and Gordon Lahanky, Campaign Honorary Co-Chairs. The fundraising effort will be led by a Campaign Cabinet co-chaired by Tracy Clinch and Luigi Rocca who have assembled a team of over 30 volunteer cabinet members who will each reach out to their contacts in the community. A broader community focused campaign will be announced in about 10 days time. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go towards these campaign goals as the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick is waiving any administration fees. – and BrainWorks and CCGM will also waive all fees and production costs associated with their involvement in the campaign. Funds raised will be used by frontline agencies who will be coordinating support to the Ukrainian families such as MAGMA and others. “The situation in Ukraine has delivered a daily shock to those of us who live safely here in Atlantic Canada. The needs will be great for the hundreds of Ukrainian families fleeing war to find a safe, new life here in southeast New Brunswick,” said John Wishart, CEO of the Chamber. “As a Chamber of Commerce, we feel it is important that our business community steps up to meet those needs and provide a better life for our Ukrainian newcomers.” “Surely it is our duty, our responsibility and our deep privilege to help others whenever and however we can. This is our individual and collective calling,” said David Hawkins, Founding Partner at BrainWorks. Myla Muntyan, president of the Ukrainian Club of Moncton, says the campaign will be vital to welcome Ukrainians coming to Southeast New Brunswick. “4.5 million Ukrainians have already left their homeland in search of safety. Let’s welcome those who choose New Brunswick to be their new home. Let’s help them during the darkest times to get on their feet so they can stay here and become a part of our community.” The business community and the community at large are encouraged to give generously and to share information about the campaign with their friends and family. Details on how to donate can be found here: www.ukrainesenb.ca. More information can also be obtained by contacting the Chamber of Commerce office at (506) 857-2883 or via email at info@ccgm.ca -30- |
| For more information John Wishart CEO Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton (506) 856-4000 jwishart@ccgm.ca David Hawkins Founding Partner BrainWorks Marketing (506) 850-1651 david@BrainWorksmarketing.ca Danny Bazin Brand Expressionist BrainWorks Marketing (506) 232-5584 danny@brainworksmarketing.ca |