Ukraine invasion: Ottawa non-profit serving refugees facing ‘critical’ funding shortage [Video]

Saturday marks two years since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and thousands of displaced Ukrainians have found solace in Ottawa where they are beginning to rebuild their lives.

In classrooms at the Maidan Market, a volunteer-led initiative run by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ukrainians are learning English and how to adapt in their new country.

Yevheniia Rozhkova came to Ottawa nearly a year ago, with her husband.

“It was it was a shock for me,” she tells CTV News Ottawa.

“I couldn’t stay in Kharkiv because every day Russia damaged our city. Everyday, I heard sirens and saw attacks. Everyday I saw rockets,” said Rozhkova.

She is one of approximately 3,000 Ukrainians, who have received support from the Maidan Market, which opened in May 2022, according to manager Svitlana Maksiuta.

The centre relies entirely on donations and is facing a “critical funding shortage,” according to a GoFundMepage. The non-profit is looking to raise …