Welcome community members of all ages! Please join us in celebration as we welcome two families who have recently relocated to North Bay from the Ukraine.
We invite you and your family to join Maryna as she walks us through the process of making a Motanka. Pronounced Мо-тан-ка, these ancient Ukrainian talismans are a symbol of all-preserving femininity and are believed to protect against evil and represent prosperity, goodness, and hope. You can learn more about Motankas here.
Olha, our translator, along with local volunteers will be at the event to assist every participant in their successful completion of their very own Motanka.
All proceeds from this event will be evenly divided between Maryna & Olha's families (see their stories below)! We thank you in advance for your participation and contributions.
Please note that Nipissing University is unable to provide a tax receipt for any donations associated with this fundraiser.
Unable to attend? Make arrangements for cash donations by contacting Mylae Robson, Manager of Extended Learning via email at mylaer@nipissingu.ca.
Event Details
Maryna's Story
Olha's Story
Maryna’s Story
Maryna Bieliaieva along with her husband Andrii, son Bohdan (16) and daughters Polina (10) and Daryna (5) lived in eastern and central Ukraine but were constantly battling the realities of war dating back to 2014. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 countless cities were subjected to rocket attacks and unfathomable hardships. It was then, Maryna and Andrii made the decision to move abroad with their children and family pets to provide themselves with safety and a brighter future.
From February to August 2022 Maryna and her family found refuge in Romania, Denmark, Hungary, Austria and Germany. It was in Demark they learned about a new program by the Canadian government for Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion and began the process of their new life in Canada.
As Maryna and her family continue to mourn the loss of family, friends, their home, and country they find appreciation and gratitude toward new beginnings in North Bay. It is their hope that they become permanent residents and obtain Canadian citizenship.
Maryna's Nipissing University Connection
Maryna and her family developed a friendship with Dr. Kristina Karvinen, Associate Professor in the Physical and Health Education department who helped the family plan their transition to Canada and opened her home once they arrived. When Extended Learning put the call out for Leisure Learning activities, Kristina connected Maryna with the Extended Learning manager to arrange the opportunity to host a one-hour workshop on creating traditional Ukrainian dolls. It was then, that Extended Learning decided to turn this into a larger opportunity to give back and turn this ‘workshop’ into a fundraiser.
“I want to continue to be creative in Canada and teach my skills to others while we build a new and safe life for my family” – Maryna
Olha’s Story
From the city of Kyiv, capital of Ukraine, Olha Ivanchencko along with her daughter Milana (8) were forced to make an impossible choice. Olha, Milana, Mariia (Olha’s elderly mother) and their dog Bonya escaped war and fled their home. The decision didn’t come easy, especially given the fact that Mariia had suffered an acute stroke and was bedridden prior to the start of the war; however, with support from local Ukrainian volunteers they were able to find refuge once they crossed the border into Poland in March 2022.
Through the Canadian Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) they obtained their Visa’s and arrived in Toronto on April 26, 2022 with plans to join Olha’s brother, Sasha in Philadelphia, PA but were turned away at the US border. It was then Olha and her family connected with Dr. Stephen Connor, Assistant Professor of History and his wife Anna who opened their home and became dear friends.
Sadly, after amazing and compassionate care from the staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s stroke and rehabilitation unit, Olha’s mother, Mariia passed away on August 11, 2022. After her passing, Olha faced another decision and decided that she would remain in Canada and start her life with her daughter here in North Bay where her daughter is thriving at school and enjoying the opportunity to learn English and French.
Olha's Nipissing University Connection
Dr. Stephen Connor, Assistant Professor of History began communications with Olha in early April and decided to open their home to Olha and her family. Since then Olha has been grateful for the opportunity to participate and teach Nipissing University students about the trauma’s of colonialism, genocide and war.
Olha has expressed her sincere appreciation toward the compassion and empathy from the North Bay community and looks forward to giving back to her new city and country in the years to come.
“Thank you for opening your doors to us and standing up against hatred and violence” – Olha.
