Atwood Headlines Gala Marking 30 Years of Canadian Aid to Ukraine

TORONTO, ON – May 01, 2026 – The Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is set to commemorate three decades of humanitarian work with a milestone 30th-anniversary gala, featuring one of the nation’s most powerful literary voices, Margaret Atwood. The event, scheduled for May 29 at Toronto's historic Arcadian Court, will not only celebrate a legacy of Canadian generosity but also serve as a powerful reaffirmation of support for Ukraine as it continues its fight for sovereignty and freedom.

The evening will feature an intimate conversation with Atwood, moderated by Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc. The discussion is poised to explore themes of shared values, power, and identity, topics that resonate deeply within Atwood's celebrated literary works and are starkly relevant in the context of Ukraine's ongoing struggle.

A Literary Voice for a Nation's Cause

Margaret Atwood's participation elevates the gala beyond a typical fundraiser, transforming it into a significant cultural and political statement. The author of The Handmaid's Tale has been a vocal and consistent advocate for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Her activism is a natural extension of the anti-authoritarian themes that have defined her career.

Shortly after the invasion, Atwood joined over 1,000 international writers in signing a PEN International letter that expressed unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people, declaring that "there can be no free and safe Europe without a free and independent Ukraine." She has used her considerable public platform, including a vast social media following, to share images from Toronto rallies, promote fundraising for Ukraine's defense, and challenge Russian propaganda narratives. In past interviews, she has drawn on her deep knowledge of 20th-century history to dismantle the justifications for the war, highlighting her long-standing awareness of Ukraine's history of suffering and resilience, including the Holodomor.

Her pairing with Ambassador Natalka Cmoc, a career diplomat with deep experience in the region, promises a conversation of substance and gravity. Appointed in late 2023, Ambassador Cmoc represents Canada's official commitment to Ukraine on the ground in Kyiv, making her a crucial link between Canadian policy and the realities of the conflict. Her moderation ensures the discussion will be grounded in both the high-minded principles of democracy and the practical urgencies of international diplomacy.

Thirty Years of Solidarity and Action

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation was established in 1995 to coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid from Canadians to a newly independent Ukraine. For nearly three decades, it operated as a vital bridge between the two nations. However, the events of February 2022 catalyzed the organization and its supporters into unprecedented action.

Since the full-scale invasion, the generosity of Canadians has enabled CUF to raise over $100 million in humanitarian assistance, providing critical aid to more than seven million people. This support has been tangible and diverse, encompassing medical supplies, trauma kits, ambulances, emergency food and shelter, and winterization projects to help families survive the harsh Ukrainian winters. This massive undertaking has been managed with remarkable efficiency, earning the foundation a 4-star rating and recognition for its "high demonstrated impact" from the independent watchdog Charity Intelligence Canada, which noted that administrative and fundraising costs amounted to a mere fraction of revenues.

The gala is a moment to reflect on this impact. "The Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s 30th Anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary generosity of Canadians and the impact solidarity can have in times of unjust war," said Valeriy Kostyuk, the foundation's Executive Director. "As Ukraine continues to defend the democratic principles we value so deeply, this anniversary is both a celebration of what we have accomplished together and a recommitment to the work that lies ahead."

A Broader Tapestry of Canadian Support

CUF's remarkable fundraising is a cornerstone of a much larger, nationwide effort. The foundation's work is emblematic of a broader Canadian response that spans government, civil society, and individual citizens. Since January 2022, the Canadian government has committed over $10 billion in a multi-faceted aid package that includes direct financial support to the Ukrainian government, substantial military assistance through programs like Operation UNIFIER, and extensive humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, Canada has opened its doors to those fleeing the conflict. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program has provided a temporary safe haven for over 260,000 Ukrainians, with communities across the country mobilizing to offer housing, resources, and support. CUF's work complements these government initiatives, demonstrating a powerful public-private synergy in Canada's response.

The gala's list of supporters further illustrates this collaborative spirit. The moderated discussion with Atwood is made possible through the support of the Temerty Foundation, the event’s official Conversation Partner. Founded by James and Louise Temerty, the foundation is one of Canada's foremost philanthropic organizations and has a long, deeply personal history of supporting Ukrainian causes, from cultural and academic programs to direct humanitarian relief. Their involvement underscores the deep roots and influential backing of the movement to support Ukraine within Canada.

As guests gather at the Arcadian Court, the event will symbolize more than just an anniversary. It represents a powerful convergence of Canadian culture, philanthropy, and diplomacy, all united by a single, unwavering purpose. The evening is a testament to 30 years of history and a solemn pledge that Canada's support for a free and sovereign Ukraine will endure. continue for its part, endure.