Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Headquarters

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About Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Headquarters

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services has its roots in the Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund, which was established in 1945 by the Ukrainian Canadian Committee (currently the Ukrainian Canadian Congress).

The Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund assisted Ukrainian refugees arriving in Canada after the Second World War, as well as those still waiting in Europe. By the 1950’s, as Ukrainian refugees arrived and settled in Canada, it became apparent that there was a need for general social services to better serve this group and over time, the Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund was re-organized and became known as Ukrainian Canadian Social Services. The Head Office was in Winnipeg with branches in Thunder Bay and Toronto. The first president was Prof. Ostap Zurawsky. In 1970, the Head Office was re-located to Toronto. UCSS was incorporated by Letters Patent under the Canada Corporations Act in 1979. In addition, several branches (Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton) are incorporated under provincial legislation.

The main aims and objectives of UCSS are:
- To promote the interests and advance the welfare in general of Ukrainian communities in Canada by engaging in charitable activities
- To provide social support services to individuals and families in need, and particularly to seniors and new immigrants
- To provide financial assistance to needy persons
- To work together with other Ukrainian charitable organizations, as well as government and other community agencies, in delivering aid programs
- To assess the needs of Ukrainian communities in Canada and initiate programs to respond to the identified social issues and needs
- To encourage and promote volunteerism in the community
- To encourage and promote education in the field of social work and related disciplines.