Ukrainian Canadians spread their help and kindness this holiday season amid Russia’s war.

Ukrainian Canadians and their allies are looking for ways to spread kindness to the people of war-torn Ukraine this holiday season of illegal Russian aggression.

With Russia’s war against Ukraine approaching 10 months and the holiday season fast approaching, the people of Ukraine are facing a harsh winter caused by Russia’s attack on the country’s energy system.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “energy terrorism”, cutting off heating, water and electricity in many parts of Ukraine.

Due to the ongoing war, many Ukrainians have decided not to celebrate Christmas this year. Even if you don’t celebrate anything, Ukrainian-Canadian Olga Lastvetska, who is also an online fitness trainer in Toronto, told Global News.

“It’s heartbreaking for what’s happening there and for our family to be there,” Rastovetska said. “Everyone is so obsessed with war. We don’t have much time to plan celebrations.”

Traditionally, Ukrainians start celebrating Christmas on January 6, known as Orthodox Christmas Eve. In recent years, it has become more common to celebrate on December 25th in Ukraine as well.

While Canadians in Ukraine are able to celebrate their holidays in a safe environment, many have decided to support those who remain in Ukraine or Ukrainians who are new to Canada.

Lastovetska and her community in Ontario collect supplies such as winter clothing, diapers and baby formula. Providing hygiene products and non-perishable food to Ukrainians in an effort to “bring the Christmas spirit to Ukraine”, which do not belong to any organization and are simply “a group of people who have decided to help”. I added that it is.

“There is hope for the children of Ukraine and we have collected a lot of gifts, candy and a lot of nice things to show that we are with them,” said Lastvetska.

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Soon, she said, all the items would be loaded onto the flight to Ukraine for those in need.

Elena Kvostova, director of the Vancouver-based non-profit Ukrainian Harmony Foundation, said the organization is planning a fundraiser for 200 orphans in Dnipro, Ukraine, to receive gifts.

She also said there are events for Ukrainian children who have just arrived in Vancouver to celebrate the holiday, which features traditional practices.

Hvostova said the goal is to brighten up a child’s day “even if it’s just for a few hours.”

The gifts and parties will be “a sort of war relief” for Ukrainian children, Kvostova said, many struggling with their new lives in Canada due to language and cultural differences. added.

“Children shouldn’t go through everything, but unfortunately one country has decided that they should,” Kvostova said. “If we can make it feel good for at least a few hours, that’s really a win for us.”

Khvostova said a sixth wave of Ukrainian refugees is expected to enter Canada after February 2023 and urged Canadians to reach out to them.

“All kinds of generosity that we can offer to the Ukrainian people, not just during Christmas time, but on a daily basis, is wonderful,” she said.

In October, a group of volunteers from Canada, America and Europe came together to launch the “Christmas Gifts for Ukraine” project with the goal of “bringing hope” to Ukrainian children with toys, gifts and children’s books. rice field.

Peggy Aumüller, one of the founding members of Christmas Gifts for Ukraine, said that the project, which started as an initiative for children, has been helping Ukraine of all ages because “humanitarian needs have changed over time.” It has become a project to provide people with necessities.

“I’ve realized the reach is much greater. We want to provide life jackets and warmth. We’re working to bring generators to orphanages,” she said. “We still give gifts, but we work harder to provide the necessities of life.

As the team prepared to start the distribution process between November 30th and December 10th, Aumuller, who flew to Warsaw to work with local charity AIDUA, said: increase.

“Children are the future,” she continued. “As a teacher, I strongly believe in this and these kids need to know that people care.”

Aumüller, who is based in Camrose, Alberta, said he is not of Ukrainian descent and “doesn’t have to be of Ukrainian blood” to care about what’s happening in the country.

“There are[a lot of people here]in Canada,” she said. “If everyone donates $10, we can do a lot.”

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