Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, The University of Winnipeg Ukrainian Students’ Association (UWUKRSA) has undertaken humanitarian efforts to support those in need, and they are continuing to provide assistance through their ribbon campaign.
The campaign, which began last March, was led in part by Marysa Fosty and Adrianna Krawczuk, President and Vice-President of UWUKRSA. Together, Fosty and Krawczuk, supported by family, friends, and fellow UWUKRSA members, created blue and yellow ribbons by the hundreds, later distributing the ribbons in exchange for donations.
Within its first month, the campaign raised more than $3,000. It has since resulted in nearly $9,000 in donations, all of which have been sent directly to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
The Ukrainian flag being raised at The University of Winnipeg is representative of the continued solidarity our community holds for Ukraine.
UWinnipeg Ukrainian Students’ Association
“We sold 2,500 ribbons at local businesses, including Access Credit Union, Tenderloin Meats, Petals Flowers, and Stella’s Restaurants, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated,” shared Fosty.
In its endeavour to receive further donations, UWUKRSA is again partnering with Tenderloin Meats, supplying the Main Street shop with 250 handmade ribbons. As with previous donations, all funds will be sent to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
To mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, UWinnipeg will raise Ukraine’s flag on campus in honour of those who have been lost and displaced, and to show continued support for Ukraine and our Ukrainian community and students. “The Ukrainian flag being raised at The University of Winnipeg is representative of the continued solidarity our community holds for Ukraine,” said UWUKRSA.
UWUKRSA currently has 20 active members and has been a UWinnipeg student organization since 1953, in concert with the creation of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union. Although UWUKRSA has had periods of inactivity, the club has reestablished itself in recent years and has been active since 2020.
UWUKRSA’s mission is to provide an environment for Ukrainian students to find community while upholding their cultural traditions. Similar to the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union, UWUKRSA informs and educates The University of Winnipeg about issues related to the Ukrainian-Canadian community, including, but not limited to, the current war in Ukraine.
To help support their efforts, please visit UWUKRSA’s social media channels, including Facebook, and Instagram. In addition, direct donations can be made to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
