A local doctor is raising funds for his home country of Ukraine, and his outstanding generosity is being recognized across the country.
Red Lake’s Dr. Kostyantyn Bulavintsev, or ‘Dr. Kosta’ with The Red Lake Dental Clinic is accepting donations to support the Ukrainian Army in their fight against the Russian invasion, as Bulavintsev and his wife call Ukraine home. He also plans on matching all donations dollar for dollar.
“As you already know, there is a crisis happening in Ukraine. They need your help,” wrote Dr. Bulavintsev. “All donations will be matched dollar for dollar by myself. My wife and I are from Ukraine and this holds dear to our hearts. Thank you for your generosity.”
While delivering his Members Statement at the House of Commons, Kenora MP Eric Melillo recognized ‘Dr. Kosta’ for his generosity and support, which received applause from MP’s across the country when Melillo announced the campaign had raised over $20,000 so far.
“For Dr. Kosta Bulavintsev, who is from Ukraine, seeing Russia’s illegal invasion has hit especially close to his heart,” said Melillo, during his comments.
“Through an incredible community initiative through his dental clinic, he has been accepting donations to accept the Ukrainian military. So far, they have raised $20,000 and counting, and Dr. Kosta has personally committed to matching every single dollar that is contributed.”
“It’s simply great to see the generosity in our community, and even more so, to see the steadfast support for the Ukrainian people and for the country of Ukraine, which we know to be a democratic ally and partner. I am proud to say that the Kenora riding stands with the people of Ukraine and that Canada stands with the people of Ukraine,” Melillo adds.
Dr. Kosta’s campaign began shortly after Russia’s invasion on February 24, which has continued to threaten the independence of 44 million Ukrainian residents. Relations between the two countries have been hostile since the invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Residents are asked to donate in-person at the Red Lake Dental Clinic at 172 Howey Street, or by e-transfer at redlakedental2@yahoo.ca, with the password as ‘Ukraine’.
The federal government is continuing to offer $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine residents, which includes emergency health services, protection, support for displaced populations, shelter, water, sanitation and food.
Ukrainian residents feeling the invasion can now stay in Canada for up to three years. The federal government has also said it will match all donations to the Canadian Red Cross dollar-for-dollar for a maximum of $10 million.
Ontario is providing $300,000 in humanitarian aid to help provide medical services, emergency shelter and food supplies in Ukraine, provided through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.