Every little bracelet counts
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It’s hard to believe that the people of Ukraine have literally been fighting for their homes and lives for over a year in the current conflict. The news and social media reports are heartbreaking, and they continue to remind us of the damage a single person or group can inflict. But the stories also remind us of the fantastic strength of the human spirit.
Amidst the atrocities shine beacons of hope, and we are encouraged by the generosity of volunteers, donors, peacekeepers and rescue aid workers with boots on the ground in Ukraine as well as here in Canada.
According to the Government of Manitoba website “Manitoba has welcomed more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other Canadian province.”
Supplied photo
Yvette Deniset (left) with correspondent Wanda Prychitko, shows off her For Ukraine polished stone bracelet. You can message ydeniset@gmail.com to order your own.
Winnipeggers have organized clothing and furniture drives for newcomer families, held fundraising events and socials, and baked thousands of sky-blue/harvest-yellow cookies. Humanitarian organizations and local businesses, large and small, continue to raise much-needed funds and supplies destined for Ukraine.
As Ukrainians fled their homeland, many had to leave their pets behind. When Vets Without Borders reported that animal shelters in Ukraine were under fire and had no water or supplies to care for their wards, people jumped into action. One of these caring individuals is Yvette Deniset.
Yvette and I have known each other since Grade 2, and I was proud to see an old friend of mine (emphasis on friend, not old) take up the cause in such a personal way.
Yvette was inspired after speaking with a Ukrainian woman living in Winnipeg, whose parents in Kyiv were having a difficult time caring for their aging pets. Her story tugged at Yvette’s heartstrings, and she combined her love of animals with her crystal bracelet business.
Yvette began crafting her inner-strength bracelets of blue and yellow stones many months ago, then, upon hearing the plight of pets, turned her profits over to the cause. She raised $800, which doubled to $1,600 with a matching donor, and continues to create her bracelets in support of this tragic struggle.
We make choices every day. We can choose to smile at a stranger. We can choose to treat a friend to coffee. When we choose to do a little something extra for someone, we change the world – one choice at a time.
Wanda Prychitko
St. James-Assiniboia community correspondent
Wanda Prychitko is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia.