Manitoba man raises thousands for humanitarian aid in Ukraine by water-only fasting

A Manitoba man has raised thousands of dollars by doing a water-only fast, to provide aid and support to those fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.

Chad McFarland started a humanitarian group known as the Canada EH Team or Emergent Help for Ukraine.

“This is basically a re-supply trip and trying to do a morale boost and do as much good as we can,” said McFarland.

Russia’s unprovoked war on Ukraine is approaching one year and has left the country in crisis.

Cities have been reduced to rubble and thousands have died, been injured, and lost their homes as a result. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country, creating a humanitarian crisis.

McFarland has been helping provide humanitarian aid to the front lines since the escalation of the war began.

WATCH: Manitoba man among Canadians providing aid in Ukraine

Over the past week, McFarland participated in a fast, drinking only water to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. He dubbed the challenge “Operation Starving for Ukraine.”

McFarland says he raised around $6,000 to buy supplies and aid for those on the front lines.

“At the end of the month, I will be going to Ukraine. I’m going to Kherson, straight up to the front line,” he said. “My intention is to be on the front line for the one-year anniversary of the invasion and bring a little bit of morale boost to the guys I helped train down there.”

McFarland says he did the fast to stand with those who are starving in both Ukraine and around the world from food shortages impacted by the war.

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McFarland was previously in Ukraine from April to July 2022, helping with humanitarian aid and working alongside members of the Ukrainian military, providing medical and logistical support. He says aid is needed now more than ever.

“Tourniquets, chest seals, bandages, even just little cook sets for on the front line,” he said.

“All of these medical supplies and all of the things that they need are super urgent to the front.”

WATCH: Small group of Canadians providing aid in Ukraine

McFarland says it’s important to send the message that the war is still ongoing and worsening.

“For anyone who is thinking that this isn’t affecting us, it certainly does, and on a global scale.”

McFarland says in addition to his mission at the end of February, he is also planning a one-month mission in the summer.