A community organization in Ukraine, in part supported by southeastern Manitobans, is giving its all as war continues to rage in the region.
Chris Goertzen is the vice chair of the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine, which provides funds for basic needs at it's namesake: the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine.
There, the centre has been serving impoverished Ukrainians for more than 20 years, he says.
"(They're) making sure the elderly are fed, and that communities are finding ways to thrive in some sort of way beyond survival," Goertzen says. "It is supported by donors here in Canada, in Manitoba, as well as in the United States."
Like many in Ukraine, the centre is impacted by the dire situation.
"Right now, where the Mennonite Centre physically was, has been overtaken by war and that area is occupied," Goertzen says, noting it has now moved to an island in the country.
"We know that war is so destructive and destroys buildings, destroys people's livelihoods, and it displaces families. So the Mennonite Centre has been — continuously — over the last few years as the war has raged...helping people who are displaced, making sure they have some semblance of a life," he says.
That could look like helping with food, shelter, clothing or other needs.
"(They're) trying to find something close to normal for them, even though a war is raging not too far away," Goertzen says.
The vice chair notes that the people working there crave peace and want it to come soon. But, in the meantime, press on with the mission ahead of them.
"They know their role is to make sure that people are taken care of on the ground. Sometimes, during war, people feel very helpless," he says. " What's great is that Mennonite Centre provides an opportunity for people to not be helpless, but to help."
Goertzen says, "Even when drones with bombs are flying overhead, they're still physically helping people, and it's really encouraging to see. They are brave people."
He thanks those who have been supporting the centre over the years with their donations and explains where that money can be used.
"We provide funds every year that buy some very basic things, whether its medication, whether its blankets, whether it's pother aspects of community life or life in some of those smaller villages where displaced people are living, we make sure those funds are they so they can continue to do their good work in the midst of war," he says.
"It's really gratifying to know the actions we are taking here are helping those who are still living in the shadows of our history."
--
Written with files from Kenton Dyck