The First Charity Ukrainian Christmas Market In Winnipeg

On November 27, a large charity Christmas market was held in Winnipeg. More than 20 newly arrived artistans took part in the event. At their stands, they presented unique products made with their hands: decorations, New Year's toys, paintings, and goodies.

The fair was held in support of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. Several newcomers joined the organization. Yuliia Okhrymenko is one of those who made an effort to make the event happen. The woman reports that the purpose of the event is to raise funds to help newly arrived Ukrainians and the Ukrainian army.

"Of course, Ukrainians are incredible people and can raise money for a drone in one day, but we have to understand that resources in Ukraine are running out and the amount of money our Ukrainians have is decreasing. Now it is very important to support them abroad. And all the main money flow must come from big countries to end this war," says Yuliia.

But in addition to financial support, the Christmas market has other advantages. This fair is a good opportunity for newly arrived craftswomen to show their abilities and even earn money from their hobby.

Yuliia Okhrymenko says that most of the craftswomen at the Christmas market are single women who came to a new country for the safe future of their children. All of them now need the support of the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Such an event is a great place to get to know and communicate with each other.

"Today's event was very successful. We are all delighted. Our craftwomen are very talented, they managed to find the necessary materials, they managed to make crafts. Today, both craftswomen and visitors asked when the next fair will be, so I think we will soon repeat the success," shares Yulia.

Oksana Dmytryshina is one of the artist of today's fair. The woman has been doing needlework for a long time, but it was difficult to return to her favorite work in Canada. In the new country, the woman did not have the necessary materials.

"There was not a single needle, thread, or ribbon. I thought that I had time until Christmas, so I started buying the necessary things and making toys little by little. Now I already have everything I need and a large number of ready-made New Year’s toys," she says.

Another craftswoman, Ksenia Chizhevska, is engaged in the manufacture of women's jewelry. It used to be just a hobby, but after moving to Canada, this business took on a special significance.

"It saves me, because when you do something with your hands, it really helps to distract yourself, relax, and you have more energy for what you have to do every day," Ksenia claims.

Mariana Babenko started making confectionery already in Canada. According to the woman, due to lack of time and work in Ukraine, her hands did not reach sweets.

"I understand that now I don't have the opportunity to go to work, because my son is only one year old. I couldn’t sit idle, I had to move, something to do. Then I tried to make my first box of strawberries in chocolate and treated my friends. That's how it all started. I really believe in my results and dream of my own pastry shop," says Mariana.

Yuliia Kovalenko, Ukrainian View, U MULTICULTURAL