Saskatoon Eparchy Raises $20,209 to Support Communities in Odesa
Throughout September 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon raised $20,209 to support communities in the Exarchate of Odesa, Ukraine. The campaign received generous support from people across Saskatchewan. The funds raised will go toward providing generators and supporting the local food bank as communities prepare for the coming winter.
The A Light Shines campaign was initiated by Bishop Michael in collaboration with Bishop Andriy of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. Bishop Andriy took time after this year’s Synod of Bishops to travel to many of the hardest-hit areas of Ukraine. These visits inspired a plan for each Canadian eparchy to undertake a project to help a different region of Ukraine. The Eparchy of Saskatoon took up the call to assist the Exarchate of Odesa.
In Odesa, the biggest concern was the lack of reliable power. In the lead-up to winter, the campaign aims to help local organizations ensure that reliable electricity is accessible and that food is available despite strains placed on the power grid and on supply chains by the ongoing invasion.
In Saskatchewan, people know how important electricity is during the winter months. In Ukraine, ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure have made access to power increasingly difficult for many communities. Generators can help keep essential services running during blackouts, providing electricity for heating, lighting, healthcare, and food storage. The funds raised will help provide generators to support communities in the Exarchate of Odesa through the winter.
Donations will also support the local food bank, helping provide food to individuals and families facing hardship. The war has placed additional pressure on local communities, and many people continue to rely on charitable organizations for necessities. Supporting the food bank will help these organizations continue their vital work.
The $20,209 raised throughout September reflects the generosity of people across the Eparchy of Saskatoon. The Eparchy sincerely thanks everyone who donated, shared the campaign, or encouraged others to contribute. Every donation helped make this support possible.
All donations are being provided to the Exarchate of Odesa through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), which was founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926. It is a papal agency devoted to providing humanitarian, pastoral, and emergency assistance to vulnerable communities across the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India, and Eastern Europe.
CNEWA has been the Eparchy of Saskatoon’s main partner in supporting Ukraine during the present war. Those wishing to continue supporting people in Ukraine can do so through the work of CNEWA.
As winter approaches, the Eparchy of Saskatoon continues to keep the people of the Exarchate of Odesa in its prayers and expresses gratitude to everyone who has helped provide practical assistance to communities in Ukraine during this difficult time.
The Eparchy also thanks everyone for their generosity and solidarity with the people of Odesa.
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon
