The Simcoe North Particular Council in Ontario is twinned with Blessed Marta Wiecka Conference in Ukraine. Furthermore, in 2025, funds raised through the National Council’s Black Bag were donated to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Ukraine to support its work with people in need.
Supporting Lonely Elderly People and the Poor Sick in Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has deepened the isolation and hardship faced by many elderly people, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Constant shelling, rising living costs, power outages, and limited access to medical and social services have made everyday life even more difficult for those who were already struggling.
Through the “Support for Lonely Elderly People and the Poor Sick” project, volunteers provide essential assistance and compassionate support to people who often have little or no family support.
The project helps provide food, medicines, hygiene products, and other basic necessities, while also supporting people receiving treatment in hospitals. Volunteers visit those who are isolated, provide hospital care kits, make regular phone calls, and offer much-needed companionship.
Support also includes helping people access medical care, treatments, examinations and rehabilitation aids, as well as transportation to medical or social services. During the cold season, assistance with firewood and heating can be essential for elderly or sick people who cannot afford these costs themselves.
At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that people who are elderly, sick, poor or isolated do not have to face their difficulties alone. Through practical assistance, regular visits and human connection, volunteers help bring dignity, comfort and hope to people living through extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in Kyiv
The war in Ukraine has significantly increased homelessness and housing instability. Among those affected are internally displaced people, elderly people, people with disabilities, those who have lost their homes because of the war, and people who can no longer meet their basic needs on their own.
The “Support for Homeless People” project in Kyiv provides practical, humanitarian and social assistance to people experiencing homelessness, while helping them regain a sense of dignity, connection and hope.
Through street outreach, volunteers provide sandwiches, hot tea, meals, warm clothing and emergency supplies, while identifying people who may need additional support. A weekly support centre offers access to showers, laundry facilities, barber services, clean clothing, hot meals, hygiene and basic medical assistance, as well as spiritual and psychological support.
The project also helps people access medical and social services, including hospital visits and ongoing social support. During the winter months, additional assistance is provided with warm clothing, blankets and heating, particularly as electricity disruptions caused by the war make living conditions even more difficult.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the project seeks to reduce social isolation and help restore human dignity. A mobile library, Vincentian cinema and book club provide safe spaces for conversation, cultural and personal development, and meaningful human connection. Volunteers and community members are also encouraged to take part in outreach activities, meetings and picnics.
At its heart, the project recognizes that homelessness is not only a lack of shelter—it can also mean losing connection, security and a sense of belonging. Through practical assistance, companionship and social support, volunteers are helping people in Kyiv move toward a safer, more stable and dignified life.
