Roland Thiessen, a Winkler-based business owner with agricultural operations in Manitoba and Ukraine, continues to support farming communities and displaced families in the war-torn country through his Into Action Foundation. He lives in Portage la Prairie and his humanitarian effort, launched after Russia’s 2022 invasion, focuses on food security and rebuilding livelihoods while Thiessen juggles his Canadian manufacturing ventures.
From adoption to agriculture: A 25-year Ukraine connection
Thiessen’s ties to Ukraine began in 2001 when he and his wife—herself of Ukrainian descent—adopted their first daughter from the country. A second adoption in 2004 deepened their roots, leading to farming partnerships and a home near Kyiv.
“We’ve spent about 50% of our time in Ukraine over the past 25 years,” says Thiessen. “When the war broke out, we left on February 14—10 days before the invasion. Our house there now shelters refugee families.”
The couple’s foundation partners with Ukrainian farmers to grow potatoes, cabbage, and beets despite blockades and collapsing markets. Thiessen credits Prince Edward Island potato growers for providing expertise, while Winnipeg’s Canadian Ukrainian Foundation funds seed and equipment.
‘Hearing explosions daily’: On-the-ground realities
Thiessen, who last visited Ukraine in August 2023, describes a fractured landscape: convoys of military vehicles, downed Russian drones in fields, and cemeteries “filled with graves marked by Ukrainian flags.”
“Two drones were shot down over our farm,” he notes. “Employees who joined the military have died. The economy is gutted—farmers can’t export, and the government redirects every resource to the war.”
His team dodges missile strikes to deliver food parcels in eastern regions like Sumy, where a Palm Sunday attack killed civilians mid-church service. “You sit there calmly, then windows shatter. It shakes you to your core,” Thiessen adds.
Balancing Manitoba businesses, humanitarian work
Between Ukraine trips, Thiessen manages Prairie Premium Products (food processing plants in Birtle and Winnipeg) and Concept Industries (equipment manufacturing in Brandon and Winkler). The foundation remains volunteer-run, with 95% of donations funding direct aid.
“We’re planting potatoes again this spring—it’s about sustaining communities, not just emergency relief,” he says. “But travel’s brutal now: 48 hours via Poland instead of 16. My wife stays behind; it’s too dangerous.”
How to help
Donations to Into Action Foundation support food production and humanitarian convoys. Learn more at in2action.ca.
“There’s no ceasefire—just resilience,” Thiessen says. “Ukrainians don’t know how this ends, but they’re fighting for home.”
