The
Canadian
Sunflower
Foundation

Things we need

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It’s not only money that is required. Active help, ideas, contacts as well as item donations are needed, too. Give Susanne a call if you think you can help. (519-270-9086)

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At the moment we are looking for:

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Financial donations to order Ukrainian children's books for all families.

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Gift cards for grocery stores (to make up for the raising prices)

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Socks for 13 children age 1-12

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Sneakers for all 13 kids for the spring (call Susanne for sizes, please: (519) 270-9086)

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Small pieces of furniture in excellent condition (if the pieces are of value, we can have them appraised and will happily issue a tax receipt)

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Skis and ski boots, helmets, goggles (all sizes, in useable condition) for the next skiing season

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January 2026

A Ukrainian lady in Owen Sound found a wonderful business location for her nail studio in downtown Owen Sound. Thank you to the landlord!

December 2025

Our annual Christmas party was a great success as always. Thank you to all donors of toys and household items. The gifts were highly appreciated.

We received a donation of $76,000.00 from a donor who would like to remain anonymous. The money will go towards next semester's tuition for 2 university- and one college student.

4 Ukrainians joined us for a visit of a Christmas concert in Owen Sound. The tickets for our Ukrainian friends were donated by Moira and Chris. Thank you so much! We had a great day!

November 2025

A Ukrainian young man started his construction business in London, ON. We could help out with a trailer and tool donations.

We supported several Ukrainian families by sending Christmas gifts to their families in their homeland.

A massive amount of donations for Christmas showed up. The children will all be so happy about their toys.

A Ukrainian family supported us with the Santa Claus Parade in Markdale. Everybody had so much fun!

October 2025

We received a $50,000.00 donation from Kevin O'Brian. The money will go towards university international tuitions for 2 Ukrainian students for 1 semester each. Thank you so much, Kevin!

2 Ukrainian families (8 people altogether) moved to British Columbia, due to much better job- and immigration opportunities.

4 Ukrainian students applied for scholarships. We could help with the paperwork. None of them at the end got a scholarship, but we keep applying to make up for the extraordinarily high tuition.

September 2025

A sister and brother from Markdale needed to check on their mother in Poland who was recently diagnosed with cancer. We were happy to help with the plane tickets. Mother is now being treated.

A Ukrainian lady from Owen Sound was accepted at GLOW Beauty College of Makeup and Esthetics in Waterloo.

A Ukrainian mother of 2 young sons from Owen Sound found her dream job in walking distance from her home and subsidized day care for her younger son.

August 2025

We were able to organize a trip with several Ukrainian newcomers to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec. Parliament Hill, the Museum of Civilizations and the Whale Watching were the greatest hits.

We got a donation of large appliances in mint condition. The items went to 2 different Ukrainian households in Owen Sound. Thank you, Kitt and Dieter.

A visit to Grey Roots in Owen Sound (not our first one) with 6 Ukrainian children was led by our trusted volunteer Malte.

We visited Bruce Power in Kincardine with a large group of Ukrainian Newcomers. Thanks to the team for a very interesting time!

We found accommodations in Owen Sound and employment in Markdale for a Ukrainian lady. Russ Blackman again organized the move. Thank you, Russ.

We found accommodations for our Ukrainian student at Western University. 4 people helped with the move.

July 2025

A Ukrainian mother of two young girls opened her own beauty clinic in Toronto. Please check it out: sirenbloom.ca. Congratulations, Alina!

A Ukrainian young man helped out manning the bouncy castle at the Priceville Canada Day Celebrations. This is part of his volunteering and highly appreciated.

After having issues getting ahold of her new work visa, a young Ukrainian mother's health card expired. Unfortunately, her son broke a finger during a school accident, and mom was charged with a medical bill of almost $ 400.00 for X-rays and treatment. MPP Paul Vickers was able to help getting a new health card right away, and mom, who had already paid the medical bill, got a complete refund of the money. The boy is fine. Thank you, Paul.

A young Ukrainian lady moved from Markdale to Calgary for better job opportunities. We could help with gas money and a motel overnight stay on the trip.

We were blessed with a volunteer from Germany for 6 weeks. He moved furniture, worked on our website and organized social events. Thank you, Malte.

June 2025

A Ukrainian young man set up and manned the bouncy castle at Eugenia Gold Rush as part of his volunteering.

We were able to organize tutoring for 2 Ukrainian boys at the Markdale library. Thank you, library staff, and thank you, Jesse.

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We attended the Senior's Health Fair in Flesherton. Thank you to all donors.

May 2025

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A Ukrainian Family received a donation of tickets for the concert of the Concert Choir at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound. Thank you, Moira!

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A Ukrainian lady from Barrie completed her G1 Drivers' license.

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We received a car donation, completely with safety certificate. Thanks, Dorothy!

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We are planning our attendance at the Grey Highlands Age-Friendly Senior’s Health Fair, June 11, at the Kinplex in Flesherton

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A Ukrainian kid from Owen Sound attended a school trip to Alberta

April 2025

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A Ukrainian teenager from Barrie decided to return to his country to do humanitarian work. We were able to provide him with a plane ticket.

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We got a donation of multiple summer hats for children. Thank you, Anne Schumacher.

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A Ukrainian family lost a whole fridge full of food because of an extensive power outage. We could help with the next grocery bill.

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We applied for several community grants for the first time.

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A Ukrainian lady from Owen Sound produced almost 300 Varenyky (the Ukrainian pierogi) for our booth at the Flesherton Home Show (April 26/27, 2025). Thank you, Angela.

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The aunt of a Ukrainian family in Barrie moved to Canada to help with childcare. Welcome, Vera! The next steps will be English lessons and a driver's license. She already got her G1 license on April 28!

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We were able to obtain visa extensions for everybody.

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A Ukrainian student achieved a significant milestone by securing enrollment at Western University for the upcoming September term, where international tuition costs approximately $25,000 per semester.

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A 20 year old Ukrainian got his G2 driver's license!

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We received several awesome furniture donations.

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March 2025:

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We were able to take care of the costs of a school trip for a Ukrainian boy in Owen Sound.

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A 21 year old Ukrainian soldier was killed on March 21 at the frontlines. We could help his mother and two siblings with the travel costs to attend his funeral in Ukraine.

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We are planning our booth at the Flesherton Home Show, April 26 & 27, 2025

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We got a large donation of new clothes from Midwest COOP Markdale. Thank you!

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We found a car for a newly licensed driver (thank you, Russ Blackman)

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2 Ukrainians will work with Rural Net for the next 4 months (door-to-door advertising)

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• A Ukrainian lady was able to buy her first car herself (Thank you, Bernard's in Flesherton)
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We found a lawyer for a Ukrainian family in North Carolina who might get deported. We are ready to take them under our wings if needed.

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• A Ukrainian family of 4 applied for Permanent Residency in Canada

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February 2025:

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A Ukrainian family could pass along a used car to a Ukrainian single lady in Markdale, who then only had to pay for the repairs (thank you, Colton's Garage in Flesherton)

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Sadly the mother of one of our Ukrainian ladies has died in Kyiv, we were able to help her with the flights to Ukraine and back and the funeral costs

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We were job hunting for the 2 new graduates, one of them found a job immediately

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One Ukrainian teenager could get enrolled into a Co-Op program required to finish highschool

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We finished the paperwork for a Ukrainian teenager who wants to apply for Permanent Residency

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January 2025:

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• 2 young Ukrainians graduated from college (medical aesthetician, laboratory assistant)
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• We were able to book several March Break- and Summer Camps
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• A Ukrainian teenager got his G2 driver’s license
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• A Ukrainian young man found a full-time position in Barrie
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• 2 Ukrainian families were taken to the Ukrainian consulate in Toronto to renew their passports
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• 1 Ukrainian lady started her college (English) full time at Georgian College in Barrie
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• We found a place for a Ukrainian young boy at a childcare facility in Barrie
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December 2024:

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• 2 Ukrainian ladies finished their 14 week English studies at Georgian College (Barrie)
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• We visited the Community Christmas Choir at Markdale Annesley Church with 2 Ukrainian families
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• We handed out donated new winter boots for 12 Ukrainian children (the donors want to remain anonymous, but thank you!)
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• We moved 2 Ukrainian ladies to new locations (closer to work, closer to college)
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• Christmas party with all families. Lots of donated gifts for 13 children (the donors want to remain anonymous, but thank you!)

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At The Canadian Sunflower Foundation, we believe that giving can also be personal. Every donation makes a difference, and now, you can choose exactly how your generosity helps Ukrainian newcomers build a brighter future in Canada.

With our Personalized Giving initiative, you can direct your donation toward a cause that resonates with you:

🌻 Support Education – Help a young woman cover college costs for a business degree, empowering her to achieve her professional dreams.

🌻 Give the Gift of Childhood – Sponsor one week of summer camp for a Ukrainian child, giving them the joy of play, learning, and friendship.

🌻 Support Studying Parents – Contribute to daycare costs for a young boy, helping his mother as she settles into a new life.

🌻 Help a Family Stay in Their Home – Cover one month’s rent or utilities for a Ukrainian family working hard to establish stability in Canada.

🌻 Fund Legal Assistance – Support Permanent Residency applications with contributions toward legal costs. Our trusted lawyer works at a reduced rate to assist families in their journey to security.

🌻 Boost Academic Success – Help a child thrive in school with funding for organized tutoring (Kumon, Owen Sound), ensuring they receive the support they need to excel.

🌻 Provide Comfort – Donate toward an extra-long bed and mattress for a very tall young man who needs a good night’s sleep in a properly sized bed.

By choosing a cause close to your heart, your donation becomes more than just a contribution—it becomes a direct investment in someone’s future.

💛 Join us in making a difference—one personalized donation at a time.

For more details on how to give, email Susanne von Toerne: susekanada@gmail.com

Since the government of Ontario issues Taxpayer Rebate Cheques, for a growing number of compassionate Canadians, these cheques became an opportunity to make a real difference. Instead of spending the money on themselves, they chose to donate it to The Canadian Sunflower Foundation, knowing it would directly support Ukrainian newcomers in building a new life in Canada.

Turning Cheques into Hope

Every donation, whether big or small, has gone toward funding critical needs for Ukrainian families who arrived in Canada with very little. Thanks to these contributions, the foundation has been able to provide:

• Housing & Utilities: Paying rent and utility bills for families in need, ensuring they have a safe and warm place to live.
• Education: Covering college tuition, tutoring, private English lessons, and summer camps for children, giving them a chance to succeed.
• Legal Aid: Helping Ukrainian newcomers navigate immigration paperwork and residency applications, securing their future in Canada.

A Future Built on Kindness

For Ukrainian families starting over in Canada, these donations have meant more than just financial help—they have been a message of hope, belonging, and support. Thanks to the generosity of everyday Canadians, The Canadian Sunflower Foundation continues to give newcomers the stability and opportunities they need to thrive.

By turning their Taxpayer Rebate Cheques into acts of kindness, Canadians are not just donating money—they are changing lives.

When Ukrainian families arrived in Canada, many had lost everything—their homes, their jobs, and, for some, their access to education. Parents worried about their children’s schooling, and young adults feared their dreams of higher education had been put on hold. The Canadian Sunflower Foundation saw this need and stepped in to make sure these newcomers didn’t just find safety in Canada, but also a future through education.

Investing in Learning

The foundation believes that education is the key to independence and success. That’s why it pays for college programs, helping Ukrainian newcomers gain new skills and build careers in Canada. The foundation covers the cost of tutoring, private English lessons, and summer camps—which they see as an important part of a child’s growth and learning experience.

Supporting Talents and Passions

Understanding that education isn’t just about books, the foundation also funds sports programs and music lessons, ensuring that young newcomers can continue to develop their talents, stay active, and make friends in their new communities. Whether it’s soccer, swimming, or piano lessons, the foundation gives children the chance to pursue their passions, just like any other Canadian child.

Higher Education and Job Placement

Since fall 2024, the foundation has been covering university tuition for a young Ukrainian woman, giving her the chance to build a new future in Canada. Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to secure funding for another student starting university in fall 2025, ensuring that more young Ukrainians can achieve their academic dreams.

Additionally, two Ukrainian newcomers have already completed their college programs—one as a laboratory assistant and the other as a medical esthetician. The challenge now is to help them find full-time employment in their fields so they can take the next step toward independence and success.

A Brighter Future For many Ukrainian newcomers, education is more than just schooling—it’s hope, stability, and a path forward. Thanks to the Canadian Sunflower Foundation, children, teens, and adults are not only rebuilding their lives in Canada but thriving in their new home. With every lesson, every class, and every opportunity, the foundation is opening doors to a brighter future.

When Ukrainian families fled the war and arrived in Canada, many had little more than a suitcase and the hope for a safer future. While big cities offered temporary shelters, rural areas had more job opportunities—but finding and affording housing was a huge challenge. That’s where the Canadian Sunflower Foundation stepped in.

The foundation made it their mission to help Ukrainian newcomers find and finance housing. They worked closely with landlords, local businesses, and volunteers to secure apartments in areas where jobs and schools were available. But moving to a new town wasn’t easy, especially for families without a support networks.

To make the transition smoother, the foundation assembled asmall team of volunteers dedicated to helping families move to their new communities. Whether it was a job offer in a rural town or a university placement, the team organized transportation, helped pack belongings, and made sure every family had what they needed to settle in.

One of the foundation’s biggest achievements was purchasing a house in Owen Sound to serve as a home for a family in need. The house needed work, but with the help of a group of volunteers, it could be renovated. Walls were painted, floors were repaired, and furniture was donated to make it feel like a real home.

Now, a Ukrainian family of four—a mother, father, and their two young sons—live there rent-free. The older boy is thriving in school, making new friends and enjoying his new life in Owen Sound.

Thanks to the Canadian Sunflower Foundation, this family and many others have found more than just a house—they’ve found a home, a future, and a fresh start in Canada. 🏡🌻

When the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, searching for safety and a new beginning. Many found refuge in Canada, and while cities provided access to public transportation, life in the countryside was much harder without a car.

In rural Canada, distances are long, jobs are spread out, and buses are almost nonexistent. Without a vehicle, newcomers struggled to work, buy groceries, or take their children to school on snow days. That’s where the Canadian Sunflower Foundation stepped in.

Understanding the urgent need for transportation, the foundation launched a program to help Ukrainian newcomers gain independence on the road. They covered the cost of driving lessons, ensuring that those unfamiliar with Canadian road laws could learn safely. They provided driving practice, letting them gain confidence behind the wheel.

But the biggest help came in the form of insured cars. The foundation purchased and donated reliable used vehicles to families in need, giving them the freedom to work, shop, and integrate into their new communities.

Keeping these cars in good shape is crucial, and Bernard’s Quality Cars in Flesherton plays a key role. Whether it is a simple repair, or an urgent fix, Bernard’s team works tirelessly—often on short notice—to get the vehicles back on the road. They always provide fair pricing, knowing that these cars are more than just transportation; they are lifelines for families starting over.

For many Ukrainians, receiving a car was more than just getting from place to place—it was a symbol of a fresh start. It meant no longer depending on others for rides. It meant rebuilding their lives with dignity.