United with Ukraine
Statement from President Don Bureaux
Feb. 28, 2022 – Media Release
It’s been a difficult weekend and the days ahead will be challenging as we continue to watch the horrifying events unfold in Europe. As a College, we stand by the condemnation expressed by our Prime Minister and Premier of the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine. As the Prime Minister said, “In these dark hours, Canada's message to the people of Ukraine is this: You are not alone. We are standing with you. Our support for Ukraine, for democracy, and for human rights remains unwavering."
Premier Houston has noted that a donation of $100,000 has been made on behalf of all Nova Scotians to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to provide humanitarian aid and support to the people of Ukraine.
United with Ukraine
There are members of our community with ties to the Ukraine who are terrified of what is happening in their homeland. There are also members of our community with ties to Russia struggling with this horrific attack made in their country’s name. Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
If you want to find a way to support others at this time but feel overwhelmed, start locally – with your thoughts, your voice, your donations and heart – and know that, with a collective effort, those kindnesses will be felt across the globe. Anyone wishing to donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal can visit the Canadian Red Cross website.
Additional resources for information include:
- Canada-Ukraine Foundation: https://www.cufoundation.ca
- Ukrainian Canadian Congress: https://www.ucc.ca/
Challenging times
There are other issues weighing heavily on our community closer to home this week. The information being released around the inquiry examining the 2020 shooting rampage in Portapique will be upsetting to our province and most especially to those close to the area and the victims. We mourn the tragic loss of a member of our College community in a house fire in the South Shore this past week. The pandemic and evolving restrictions continue to create cause for concern.
With so much to process – in addition to studies, workloads and personal responsibilities – it is important to reach out for help and for support. We are a global community always wishing to help others, but it is so important to look out for ourselves when feeling overwhelmed.
Reach out for support
Please look to the student and employee resources we offer (login required). There is a wealth of information and those able to lend a hand. I urge you to take advantage of the support there for each of us.
Don’t forget, being caring to one another can go a long way to strengthening our community and help carry each other through these days. And never underestimate just how much you can change someone’s life with a smile or kind word or deed – it’s never been more important.
Thank you,
Don Bureaux