FALL 2023 NEWSLETTER

‍Newsletter not showing properly? Click here to view it online ‍

‍1. Letter from the President

It's true, we haven't sent out a newsletter since the spring! We've been so busy in both our Charity (MFNO) lives, our business and personal lives, that we just haven't had time! DID YOU KNOW - MFNO is completely volunteer run! Our entire executive and field helpers are 100% volunteers and we're proud of it. We get asked this all the time and get such surprised looks at the answer. 100% of donated funds to MFNO currently goes to direct operational costs (communication expenses, our database system, and directly to refugee needs), in fact our volunteers have not submitted even a mileage expense to date and have collectivelly driven over 4000 kms picking up, dropping off and taking families to appointments. Check our finanical statements online! We are proud of what we do and those we can help. We get so busy sometimes we forget to look back, see what we've been able to accomplish in the last few months, and remind ourselves we're not even 2 years old yet!

At Thanksgiving several volunteers participated in the Turkey Delivery to give all our refugees a special Thanksgiving with fresh turkeys. This is probably one of the most enjoyable activities aside we get to do and we're looking forward to upcoming Christmas dinner deliveries!

Remembrance day had extra meaning for us this year. Many of our refugee families are mom and children here, with the husbands or men still fighting the war at home. We hear very often of the conditions, news and other details about what's happening back in their home countries and the sacrificies those that making to protect their homelands and loved ones. Lest we never forget. 

You've all heard in the news about the 'Housing Crisis', it has never been more relevant than for newcomers. Housing initiatives announced currently will be years away from access by people, and refugees or newcomers will not be at the top of the list to receive them. We are working hard to find ways to have more beds, more capacity to give new arrivals a safe place to stay. Currently we are adjusting a housing spot to accomodate handicapped person, as the incoming refugees demographic is changing based on our applicaitons. Please see below about donating, MFNO needs to source wheelchairs, shower lifts and other expensive items for living requirements.

We've made new connections for newcomer services and other charities of similar purpose, received more donations, helped more families, and continue to build our capabilities. It is with great thanks that all of us at MFNO, our volunteers and refugees thank you our partners, collaborating charities, companies and sponsors. 

Chris Ursulak

President & CEO

‍Times are Changing

Donations needed to help.

The world is seeing new challenges all the time. The Ukraine war continues, and the Israel-Hamas war is changing demand for refugee assistance, and Canadians continue to open doors and hearts to help. 

We are currently looking to acquire enabling wheelchairs, bathroom lifts and other assistive devices!

It is only with your support that we can continue to offer safety, security and mentoring to these incoming families as the demand rapidly increases. This help is needed now!

• What Donations Empower:
  • Obtaining temporary housing for families
  • Aid and supplies for incoming families
  • Medical and Personal Care Items - including wheelchairs, lifts, etc.
  • Development of learning, information and resources to help families get independent as quickly as possible

Please help MFNO help incoming families by donating or offering accommodations. 

Visit mfno.org, or click the link below. 

2. MFNO Collaborates with Romeo House

MFNO began collaborating with Romeo house in Toronto to help address housing and much needed spots for refugees as they had capacity issues and needed help. Since we both have similar mandates and values after the inital outreach we have agreed to share spaces and housing requirements back and forth as needed. We currently have a person from Romeo house in one of our rooms. Romeo house can continue to support their refugees while MFNO provides accommodation. Growing the support network is something both groups are very happy to continue.  

3. MFNO Thanksgiving Turkey Delivery

MFNO wanted to make all our refugees share in Thanksgiving. We delivered turkeys to each family we had taking several days to deliver them all! 

It also gave us an opportunity to sit down in person with each family and talk about what they're thankful for. The stories are heartfelt and personal, with everyone so thankful to be in Canada and the generousity of Canadians opening their homes and hearts to help. 

MFNO is thankful for all the support and giving we receive from our hosts, donors and vendors all the time, we just can't say enough. 

4. Ukrainian Historical Drone Image Exhibit 2024

MFNO had an online only auction of amazing historical images from Ukraine of historically significant locations and architecture. Recently we've spoke with the curator at Station Gallery in Whitby, Ontario and are preparing this time to have a live exhibition of the collection. 

Curious and want to learn more, check out the images in our online store at FundraiseUkraine.ca and email info@mfno.ca to be on the VIP list of info as get closer to the event!

5. Donations from Jewish Family & Child Services

The Jewish Family and Child Service has been a big supporter of MFNO refugees needing Windows Laptops. Setup and ready to go, these have had a huge impact on our success rate and we are so grateful. 

Enabling our refugees to be able to communicate, apply for government services and respond to requests for information, create resumes, apply for employment - not to mention talk to family back home! 

6. Refugee Winter Preparedness Underway

MFNO is receiving donations to help prepare everyone for cold weather coming. Even our smallest places are getting used for storage and sorting. Many refugees came to us with only a backpack of belongings, and in the summer time. They are unprepared for Canadian winter conditions. As the cold weather approaches each family's has a needs assessment performed to ensure warm bedding, cloths, boots, hats and mitts and even work cloths are all taken care of. Many donors have reached out to us directly and asked how can they help make sure everyone is prepared. 

MFNO has an online item donation portal if you are able to donate you can pre-register your item so it can be considered right away! 

Please be aware we are only accepting items in the Greater Toronto Area including Whitby, Scarborough, Ajax and surrounding. Clothing items for children, men and women are preferred at the moment including snowsuites, boots, hats and mitts.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS TO MFNO

RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL TAX RECEIPT

This Newsletter is Forwarding Approved!

Make sure anyone who can help gets the news!

MFNO is a federally registered Charity - Registration Number: 732632203 RR0001

This newsletter has been sent to:

‍ ‍ emailed to:  ‍ ‍

If you do not want to receive these emails any more you can unsubscribe (not recommended for supporters and followers of MFNO) Unsubscribe ‍.