Sask. youth weave bracelets to raise donations for humanitarian aid in Ukraine
CBC
Some Saskatchewan young people are weaving and selling bracelets of blue and yellow ribbons to raise donations for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
"They might seem as just bracelets but they are more than that. They represent support and hope," Maya Seman said.
"These bracelets raise awareness. It is good to see so many people already talk about Ukraine, but it's unfortunate that war is the reason why we are talking."
The Grade 12 student makes at least 10 bracelets in each sitting, and even more when surrounded with her best friends, many of whom have families in Ukraine.
"I'm not Ukrainian, but I grew up in Ukrainian culture. It's a community here and it hurts us all," the 18-year-old said.
Students in the youth group at the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon have already sold 304 bracelets. The collected funds will go to organizations that are helping refugees in Ukraine.
"We suggest the price as $5 for each bracelet, but many people have paid way more. As of March 9, we have raised $2,513," Viktoriia Marko, youth and young adult minister for the eparchy, said.
"I see love and passion for Ukraine in the eyes and hearts of these young people. They share their pain and care for Ukraine."
Marko said the origin of the project was a young girl who wanted to weave Chotkis, prayer rosaries, as a community to help Ukraine. Since Chotkis take a considerable amount of time, the group decided to do ribbon bracelets.
Katya Hrycuik, one of the students making bracelets, has relatives from both sides of her family in Western Ukraine. Her cousin from Toronto went to Ukraine before the Russian invasion and recently gave birth to a baby.
The Grade 12 student at Centennial Collegiate said while her cousin and relatives are safe, she prays for their continued safety everyday.
"I wanted to help them in some way, even if it's just a small gesture," Hrycuik said.
Reading about casualties in Ukraine, Hrycuik feels "thankful and blessed" to be in Canada. She said to be able to be in contact with her cousins is a blessing itself.
"I pray for peace and for all the children and kids in Ukraine right now. I have no idea how I would feel if I was there."
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