Ukrainian Canadians spread aid, kindness this holiday season amid Russia’s war
Global News
While Ukrainian Canadians are able to celebrate the holiday in a safe environment, many have decided to support those who remain in Ukraine and Ukrainian newcomers to Canada.
Ukrainian Canadians and their allies are finding ways to spread kindness to people in war-torn Ukraine ahead of this holiday season amidst Russia’s illegal invasion of the country.
With the holiday season right across the corner as Russia’s war on Ukraine approaches the 10-month mark, Ukrainians are facing a harsh winter caused by Russian attacks on the country’s energy system.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this month criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “energy terrorism,” leaving many parts of Ukraine with no heat, water and electricity.
The ongoing war has caused many Ukrainians to decide not to celebrate this year’s Christmas — even not to celebrate anything, Olga Lastovetska, a Ukrainian Canadian who is also an online fitness trainer in Toronto, told Global News.
“Our hearts are broken for what is happening there and our families are there,” said Lastovetska. “Everybody’s so occupied with the war. There’s not much time that is going into planning the celebrations.”
Traditionally, Ukrainians begin celebrating their Christmas on Jan. 6, known as Orthodox Christmas Eve. In recent years, it’s become more popular in Ukraine to celebrate on Dec. 25 as well.
While Ukrainian Canadians are able to celebrate the holiday in a safe environment, many have decided to support those who remain in Ukraine and Ukrainian newcomers to Canada.
Lastovetska said she and her community in Ontario have been gathering supplies such as winter clothes, diapers, baby formula, hygiene products and non-perishable food for Ukrainians in an effort to “bring that Christmas spirit to Ukraine,” adding they don’t belong to any organizations but are just “a group of people that have decided to help.”
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