Peterborough Stands With Ukraine Fundraiser Being Held At St Theresa Elementary School

A group of women from Peterborough have joined together to organize a fundraising event for Ukraine relief efforts at St Theresa Elementary school on April 30.

The team learning to make perogies ahead of the fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Scriver.

As much of the world is watching horrors unfold in Ukraine, the feeling of wanting to do something to help is what brought Krystal LeBreton, Steph Logan, Kateryna Sysoieva, Jennifer Mahoney Scriver and Kaitlyn Cavanagh together.

The idea for a fundraiser happened when LeBreton was chatting with Sysoieva, who is from Ukraine.

“I said I wish something would be happening here, and she said ‘well, let’s just do it’,” said Syosieva. “I thought I don’t know what to do, I’m not that well connected and Krystal just said ‘don’t worry about it, I know what to do’.”

The five women, all connected by LeBreton, began planning in a WhatsApp group chat, some without ever meeting before.

“I feel like I’ve known these ladies forever now,” said Sysoieva, who came to Peterborough seven years ago with her two sons.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Sysoieva’s mother, sister, grandfather and uncle were living in Western Ukraine. Since the invasion her mother and 86 year old grandfather have evacuated to Poland, though her sister and Uncle chose to stay. Her sister is volunteering with relief teams while looking after her uncle, who was a firefighter at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant during the 1986 disaster.

Sysoieva’s sister will help decide what to do with part of the funds raised at the event, as she knows what Ukrainians on the ground need.

Funds will also be donated to Meest, an organization that is delivering humanitarian supplies to Ukraine, and to World Central Kitchen, an organization delivering fresh meals to recently liberated Ukrainian cities.

The event, hosted at St Theresa’s Elementary School will take place from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 30. It will feature a raffle, silent auction, bake sale, a 1 km race and more. Sysoieva has also been working hard to teach the other organizers how to make authentic Ukrainian perogies, which will be sold at the fundraiser both fresh and frozen.

“The reaction from the community has been overwhelming,” said Logan. “We’ve already seen so much support and donations coming in from people we don’t even know.”

“There’s been a lot of small businesses owners that have reached out to donate an item or a service which just shows what an amazing community Peterborough is,” said Mahoney Scriver.

Organizers have been posting silent auction items as they have been donated in their Facebook group.

Some items up for grabs are pieces by local artists, gift certificates for 4th Line Theatre, Wildfire Golf Club, massages, local photographers and more.

They are still accepting donations for raffle and silent auction prizes and note that no donation is too small.

To donate a prize or keep updated on the event visit their Facebook page.

“Its not just about Ukraine,” said Sysoieva. “It’s about the truth, it’s about democracy, it’s about beliefs and being who we are. Having rights and living the way we want to live. I think people are recognizing that.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College To Offer Free English Language Class To Ukrainians Arriving In Peterborough

Ukrainians arriving in Peterborough will be able to access free English language classes at Fleming College through Fleming’s English as a Second Language Bridge program.

Stock Photo.

“Part of our mandate at Fleming College is to create a stronger community and build a better world,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We stand united in helping Ukrainians who are coming here to Peterborough, and we join our compassionate community in ensuring those families are welcome and well supported.”

As the situation evolves, Fleming will continue to explore new ways to support Ukraine. Fleming is also working with the New Canadians Centre to ensure those families and individuals are settled and supported in our community.

Fleming is one of 19 Ontario Colleges to contribute to Unicef’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, for a combined total of $210,000. That Fund supports the organization’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education.

Perhaps most notably, Vic Waselenko, a Fleming College faculty member has worked tirelessly to raise money for Ukrainian relief by teaming up with local businesses to host fundraisers and collect donations. To date, Vic’s efforts have raised more than $19,000. He has created a donation page through the Canadian Red Cross, and you can donate by visiting here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Continues to Fundraise for Ukrainian Efforts With Community's Help

After raising over $17,000 in a soccer equipment sale for Ukrainian efforts, Peterborough’s Victor Waselenko is continuing his aid asking the community’s help for $100,000.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds go towards the Red Cross in a campaign called “PeterboroughHelpsUkraine.”

The initial soccer equipment fundraiser — selling soccer apparel, footwear and equipment at half price — was held last Saturday at Hybrid Sports. The $10,000 goal was easily surpassed as the event raised $17,421.50 that has been placed into the fundraiser account.

“It was a great day and the people of Peterborough were extremely supportive,” said Waselenko.

The first-generation Ukranian said he wanted to create a medium for the public to help Ukraine.

“I know that people want to help and contribute but they sometimes do not know where or how to do that,” said Waselenko.

If you would like to donate to Waselenko’s fundraiser, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Two Ukrainian Trent Students Are Rallying The Community To Support Their Home Country

Uliana Karpukhina and Mykhailo Rangiev, Ukrainian students studying at Trent University and members of Trent’s Russian Speaking Association (TURSA) are asking the community to contribute to two fundraisers; one to supply medical supplies to Ukraine, and one to help get children out of the war torn country.

Mykhailo Rangiev. Photo courtesy of Uliana Karpukhina.

Karpukhina’s mother and younger brother were able to get out of Ukraine and are currently in Spain, though her father had to stay behind.

Together with her mother, they are working to help children who have lost their parents evacuate Ukraine and find safety in Spain. Money contributed to their GoFundMe will help to pay the rent of the house they are staying in, groceries, diapers and clothes.

Rangiev has been in Canada for about five years now. His family remains in Ukraine volunteering.

He, along with the TURSA are asking to community for donations of medical supplies to send to the front lines of Ukraine.

“It would be nice to be able to accept physical donations,” he said. “But there are very specific things there that are needed - not just aspirin and bandages.”

With donations Rangiev will purchase supplies suggested by his family members directly in Ukraine. He will deliver the supplies to a shipping company in the GTA, that is flying supplies to Ukraine for free.

Donations can be sent to tursa22@gmail.com.

In addition to these two fundraisers, Rangiev is also raising money for Ukrainian students in Peterborough that may not have access to funds now, though he says the community exceeded his expectations with that fundraiser and he would like to focus on supplies now.

Both Rangiev and Karpukhina agree that Peterborough has been so supportive of the Ukrainian community as news comes out of the horrors in Ukraine.

“It was terrifying at first, seeing the news and not knowing if your family is ok,” said Karpukhina. “It’s easier now, but it’s still going on there, it’s still our country and our heritage - it’s part of our identity.”

“I wanted to do everything I could to help,” said Rangiev.

He says for the first few days of the Russian invasion he was in Etobicoke every day packing humanitarian supplies to be shipped to Ukraine.

“I initially thought to go back to Ukraine because the whole thing is so outrageous, but my Dad convinced me that at least for now I will be more helpful here and can help refugees that will come,” he said.

Karpukhina says seeing Ukrainian flags, ribbons and sunflowers around Peterborough has been amazing.

“In my neighborhood there’s a little kid who is about eight year old,” said Karpukhina. “He has ribbons and he’s been putting them up everywhere on trees and posts - I really notice them. It’s so cute and nice to see kids showing initiative.”

“It’s amazing to see such great support,” said Rangiev.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Artist Raises $8,450 For Ukraine With Auction

Local artist Nick Leniuk of Riverbend Studio raised $8,450 for the Canada Ukraine Foundation-Ukrainian Canadian Congress by auctioning a handmade, Ukraine inspired carving.

Nick Leniuk in his home studio with his piece ‘Rise Above’.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Leniuk, a first generation Canadian-Ukrainian, knew he wanted to do something to help.

As a sculptor, he decided on creating and auctioning a unique piece.

All the pieces Leniuk carves are drawn by hand, though because he wanted to get this one done quickly he searched the internet for a silhouette of a sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower.

He found a silhouette he liked and learned it was drawn by a Russian artist, who completely supported Leniuk’s intentions.

Leniuk facilitated the auction through his social media, with bids coming through direct messages, with the auction closing Monday at 4 p.m.

By Monday morning the bidding was at about $1,500, but soon a bidding war began.

“There were two bidders that were upping it by about $100 every half hour or so,” he said. “I was getting stressed out. I always feel bad because not everyone can win.”

With about three minutes left in the auction and two bidders competing, a third bidder offered $3,000, says Leniuk.

“I was floored,” said Leniuk. “I couldn’t update my sites quick enough.”

One bidder dropped out, while the second proposed an idea to Leniuk.

They suggested that Leniuk ask the winning bidder if he could make a second sunflower piece, which they would purchase for $3,000.

The winning bidder agreed, which means Leniuk has sold two pieces at $3,000.

“He was happy to go along with that proposal,” said Leniuk. “As long as he got the first piece, only two were ever made and that his was certified as the original.”

Both winning bidders requested that they remain anonymous.

The additional money was donated by friends, family and supporters on Leniuk.

“I had really modest expectations, but it snowballed into something that was bigger than I ever expected.”

Leniuk, who’s father Antony was born in Ukraine and came to Canada after World War Two, still has family in Europe.

His cousin, born in Ukraine and living in Paris, has a son that has returned to Ukraine to resist foreign invaders.

Leniuk notes that although this is a different war, and different times, his family has gone through this before.

His uncle, who he was named after, fought in the Ukrainian resistance during World War Two. He was discovered by police who were cooperating with Nazis, and never seen again.

His cousins son reached out to Leniuk, and thanked him for his contribution from Canada.

“It’s gratifying to be able to contribute on behalf of so many people,” he said. “It’s the people that make these this happen.”

Leniuk will officially make the donation this week, after payments are finalized, and post the receipt on social media.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Holds Soccer Equipment Sale To Support Ukrainian Efforts

It did not take long for Victor Waselenko to aid his home country of Ukraine as he is holding a one-day soccer equipment sale in support of the Red Cross for humanitarian efforts this Saturday.

Waselenko sent 1,300 medical kits earlier this month to his home country of Ukraine. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The cash-only sale is at Hybrid Sports at 1575 Chemong Rd. and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Waselenko used to own the soccer apparel store “Soccer Plus” located at 139 George St N. — until closing in 2017 — where his leftover jerseys, apparel, footwear and equipment are sold at the one-day event at 50 per cent off.

All proceeds will go towards Ukrainian charity efforts according to Waselenko.

“My goal is to walk out of here with here with empty boxes," he said. "I would love nothing more than if we sold everything that was here but we have an aggressive goal of $10,000 that we'd like to raise."

After the sale, Waselenko says he wants to raise a total of $100,000 for the Red Cross with the help of the community.

Watch on TikTok

Earlier this month, Waselenko and his family sent 1,300 medical kits to Ukraine with the help of Shoppers Drug Mart and from public donors. There were more than $50,000 in product that was shipped to Ukraine.

Waselenko is a first-generation Ukrainian after his parents moved to Canada shortly after World War II.

"They were still young and they met here (in Canada)," explained Waselenko. "But they left a lot of family members behind because not everybody immigrated."

Waselenko has had a love for soccer since he has played as a kid. He has coached for several teams including his daughters’.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Two Local Men On A Mission In Europe To Transport Refugees And Deliver Supplies

For John Graham and Dave Black, from Campbellford and Springbrook, donating money to Ukrainian relief efforts was not enough. The two packed up their lives and are currently in Europe, transporting refugees farther west from the Polish/Ukraine border with a rented van, plenty of patience and over 10,000 km of European highways under their belt.

David Black and John Graham before leaving. Photo sourced from their Facebook page.

It started out as a conversation, says Graham.

The two friends were sitting at around a table in Campbellford feeling helpless watching the Russian invasion unfold in Ukraine.

“It was a spur of the moment decision,” said Graham. “I checked how my family would feel about me going and I got medium support.”

Black, who is ex-military and ex-police, says the two are at a point in their life that they have enough freedom to pack up and leave for a long period of time.

Graham arrived in Berlin, Germany on March 14, picked up a rental vehicle and took to Przemysl, Poland to begin the mission. Black met him on March 19.

Their goal is to not only transport refugees, but to pick up much needed medical supplies and bring them back to the Poland/Ukraine border.

“We’ve been staying true to our goal of bringing supplies back,” said Black. “There’s just too many people here and not enough supplies.”

As of Wednesday the two estimate they have driven over 10,000 km, and 27 refugees. They have driven through places like Berlin, Prague, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria.

On Monday the two transported a woman who had been struck by shrapnel in her leg to a nearby hospital.

Because of the influx of people in Przemysl their hospital is at capacity. Black and Graham brought the woman to a hospital in Dresden, Germany to seek treatment.

“I think most are still in a state of shock,” said Graham. “It’s bit of a relief to no longer be in the refugee centre, but I can’t speak for what’s going on in their mind when we’re driving them farther away from their home.”

The group of seven they are currently driving with - including three children - are going to Rotterdam, Prague and Berlin.

On Wednesday their passengers learned that the last bridge in their hometown had been struck, meaning anyone that was still there will have to stay.

“They know people that are still there,” said Graham. “It’s very upsetting.”

Because of the language barrier, the two say their passengers mostly talk amongst themselves and try to keep the children entertained.

“The language isn’t there but the time we get where we’re going these people are very important to me,” said Graham. “We’ve eaten together and slept next to each other for days at a time.”

The two note how much support is flooding into Poland to help.

“John and I noticed the other day about 25 fire trucks in a convoy going across the Polish border to presumably to fight the fires in combat zones,” said Black.

Black has been wearing a ball cap with a Canadian flag on it and says many people are pleasantly surprised to see Canadians helping.

At home, Tobey VanRoon and Bill Davenport have been helping Graham and Black’s mission.

VanRoon has organized a GoFundMe that is being used to purchase medical supplies and pay for gas. Any money remaining will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross's Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

Davenport has been compiling videos sent by Graham and posting updates to a Facebook group.

Before our conversation ended, Graham had a final, specific request.

“One of the big asks - they’re very short on tetanus and thrombosis medication.  They’re doing field amputations here because of shrapnel wounds,” said Graham. “There’s no medication to ensure they don’t get infected. If anyone has any access to that, if you can get it here I can get contacts to hospitals in Ukraine.”

The best way to contact both Graham and Black is through the Facebook group.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man On The Ground In Ukraine Provides An Update On His Experience

Zach England, from Little Britain, landed in Poland on March 7 to join the International Legion of Territorial Defence, and help defend Ukraine against Russian invasion.

Currently England is on a train from Odessa to Lviv with two children, who’s father asked him to accompany them while they meet up with family members.

The children, who England thinks are about 13 and 14, were with their father who is now actively fighting so they are going to stay with family members.

Once he drops them off safely England is meeting the rest of his volunteer group in Lviv.

A blurry view of the train England is travelling on. Photo by Zach England.

“The situation is not good,” he said. “It’s the same all over, not enough weapons and aid materials to properly fight or resist.”

In a post to his personal Facebook he assured family and friends that he was ok, and put a call out for donations.

Donations made to him directly would help purchase things like medical supplies for himself and civilians.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Doctor Grateful For Communities Support In Bringing His Daughter's Family Home Safe From Ukraine

Oleg Veselskiy, a doctor at Kawartha Centre and Peterborough Regional Health Centre, is currently in Poland with his daughter and her family who fled from Ukraine after Russian invasion.

Oleg Veselskiy, his daughter and her family. Photo courtesy of Veselskiy.

Dr. Veselskiy came to Canada in 2002 after he met his wife, a Canadian nurse, in United Kingdom.

His daughter Jenya now lives in Kharkiv, Ukraine with her husband and three children.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, Jenya and her family spent five days in a make shift bomb shelter in the basement of an apartment building with close to 50 people in it.

“As soon as I heard war started we started thinking about escape routes,” said Veselskiy.

Veselskiy says through the Peterborough medical community he has a lot of connections to doctors from and in Poland. A Polish doctor offered Veselskiy and his family an apartment in Krakow to stay in temporarily.

Because Jenya and her husband have three children considered minors, aged 13, 9 and two-months old, Jenya’s husband was able to leave the country unlike many other men his age. They also brought along with them their dog Edwin.

“I am grateful her husband was able to come because I don’t know that my daughter would have left without him,” said Veselskiy.

He says they joined a convoy of families making their way to Poland, and though the journey was long they made it safely.

“As soon as I knew they were safe I booked a flight to Poland and met them at the train station,” he said. “I brought them to this apartment and this is where we are staying now.”

Now that Jenya and her family are safe, Veselskiy’s main concern is getting them back to Peterborough, he says.

“We’re safe, we’re just waiting,” he said.

Jenya and her husband have the proper documentation to travel to Canada, but their children do not.

“They weren’t planning on doing any travelling any time soon,” he said. “The kids passports have expired, and the two-month old, well she doesn’t even have one yet.”

Veselskiy’s wife, who is still in Peterborough, started the application process as soon as they knew Jenya and her family were coming to Peterborough. He notes it has been challenging and wonders how those without family or friends elsewhere are managing to apply while actively escaping a warzone.

Now, after his home city has been ravaged by war and his daughter and grandchildren escaped, he says life seems different.

“It’s a different world, you start thinking differently about your life,” he said. “It’s not ‘how are you doing’ anymore, its ‘are you alive?’. My daughter worries for her friends that didn’t leave.”

Still, after everything they have been through, Veselkiy says he is grateful.

“It’s incredible, it’s tragic, it’s emotional, but its also unbelievable seeing all the people willing to help,” he said. “People in Peterborough have been unbelievably supportive, we don’t know what to do with all of this support.”

Veselskiy’s coworker started a GoFundMe that will help Jenya and her family restart their lives in Peterborough. He says coworkers have been bringing clothes for the baby and his wife is updating him daily with baby items that are being delivered.

“It has been a difficult but also a grateful time. We could complain about things going bad, but other people have it worse.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The Peterborough Singers Pay Tribute To Those Affected By The War In Ukraine

The Peterborough Singers paid tribute to those affected by the war in Ukraine by learning and singing their national anthem after rehearsal on March 8.

“The Ukraine situation is ripping us all to pieces. What is to be done? Donate to the Red Cross? Buy sunflowers from East City Flower Shop? Join a protest march? Words fail us. But for a choir, in times of tragedy and sadness, there is the option of singing. So, we did,” said Music Director Syd Birrell.

While formally known as the ‘State Anthem of Ukraine’, it also goes by its native title ‘Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy’, which translates into English as ‘Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished’.

A translation of Ukraines national anthem scrolls the bottom of the screen as the choir sings.

“The glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished
Luck will still smile on us brother-Ukrainians.
Our enemies will die, as the dew does in the sunshine,
and we, too, brothers, we'll live happily in our land.

We’ll not spare either our souls or bodies to get freedom
and we’ll prove that we brothers are of Kozak kin.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.