A Story of Compelling Generosity, Prayers and Assistance to Our Ukrainian Brother Knights and Citizens

is a recent photo of our Assembly and Council brothers posing with a picture of Our Lady Help for Persecuted Christians, awarded by Knight of Columbus Charities Connecticut headquarters for our success and generous contribution the Ukraine fund.

When the atrocities of a vicious and senseless invasion of the Ukraine hit the media in early March, along with heart wrenching images of both suffering and resilience of the victimized Ukraine people, Council 11716 and Assembly 3642 , Prince of Peace Catholic Parish, Plano, Texas found a compassionate way to involve the parish and community by piggybacking the Knights of Columbus Charities Ukraine Solidarity Fund as a team supporter. The resulting tremendous outpouring of interest, prayers and generosity could not have been predicted.

“We saw an opportunity to join the primary Ukraine Solidarity Fund initiated by Knights of Columbus Charities, not just with a single donation but with an organized fund drive involving the parish and community,” according to Larry Hahn, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 3642, Council 11716 member and fund team captain. Our pastor, Fr. Michael Forge, did not hesitate in assisting with pulpit announcements. He provided a quick green light for Knights distributing charity flyers after the Masses. It kicked off the campaign with many generous donations. The aggressive goal of $10,000 was surprisingly met within the first week!

Community-wide donations came not just from Catholics but also from many good Christians looking for a way to help the millions of Ukrainian citizens displaced by one of history’s worst examples of humanitarian failure. Watching innocent Ukrainian families and children fleeing their destroyed homes and neighborhoods wondering about their next meal, not to mention their safety, touched us all. An opportunity to donate towards their survival and hope, along with prayers, provided some relief from the sorrow and frustration haunting any of us who watched the suffering refugees. Undoubtedly, the credibility of the Knights of Columbus contributions, in times of crisis, convinced many to select the Ukrainian Solidarity Fund.

In addition to a call for prayers, the flyers provided the website link for the donation fund along with an explanation that 100% of the donations are dedicated to the affected Ukrainian people. An important feature of the flyer was a QR code directing donors to the donation page. The QR code played an instrumental part in broadcasting donation options outside the parish such as in friendly participating restaurants and other businesses.

About a month into our council’s fund drive, at the $25,000 mark, a pleasant and appreciated surprise recognition was received from Brother Evan Holguin of Knights of Columbus Charities in Connecticut. A beautiful wall picture of Our Lady Help for Persecuted Christians was sent to our Council and Assembly in appreciation for the effort and generosity exhibited by our team for the Ukraine Solidarity Fund drive.

Although not a goal of our fund drive effort, but nonetheless gratifying, is that our team donation amount has consistently led all other councils in the nation. At the writing of this article, our total donation is $56,606. An informative flyer with QR code for easy access, coupled with our clergy support and the Knights of Columbus Charities Ukraine Solidarity Fund flagship, all contributed to the success of this “local” fund initiative. It is a tribute to the parish, our Brother Knights, community-wide generosity, compassion, and prayers of healing hope for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. God bless the Ukrainians.