New Pathway.
In August of 2003, two nurses, Marika Dubyk of Toronto and Irene Osinchuk of Winnipeg, first volunteered as nurses at a summer camp for orphaned children taking place in Vorokhta Ukraine, with an organization Help Us Help The Children (HUHTC). By the end of the camp they were hooked and helping Ukraine would become their habit. Marika and Irene later became members of the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund (CCCF) medical advisory committee. Working with both these organizations, they were able to support projects in Ukraine which provided basic medical supplies to orphanages, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and clinics.
Marika and Irene recognized that there was a continuous need in Ukraine for health education literature, first aid supplies, high quality instruments, and equipment, so they began sending these items in 30 kg. parcels on a regular basis. Large supplies such as wheelchairs or hospital beds were also donated. Over the years, Marika developed relationships with a number of trustworthy volunteers in Ukraine, who ensure that boxed supplies and equipment is received and distributed appropriately. The network of institutions and people receiving these goods would send letters of thanks and pictures to express their gratitude to Canadians.
During the Revolution of Dignity, Marika has been sending one to three boxes per week to Ukraine from her house in Toronto. While others were baking Paska and making Pysanky, Marika’s recent Easters have seen some 30 boxes of medical supplies being sorted in her kitchen. Some of the supplies were provided by an organization based in Winnipeg, International Hope Canada Inc. (IHC).
Throughout the years, Marika and Irene have invested an enormous amount of time, effort and money in sending medical supplies to Ukraine. They have solicited, sorted, packed and shipped supplies ensuring their distribution to those in need. Family and friends have donated, supported and encouraged the nurses along the way. The nurses have worked with and been supported by organizations such as UCC Winnipeg; UCC Toronto; League of Ukrainian Canadians; CCCF; HUHTC; Knights of Columbus, St. Anne’s Council of Winnipeg; Yalynka Society of BC; Association of Ukrainians “Zakerzonnia” and IHC.
Recently, they have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ (UCC) initiative, Ukraine Appeal, which has sent several containers of medical equipment collected and sponsored financially by Canadians, through various local fundraising efforts.
Marika and Irene have a plea to Canadians: “We would like to see more organizations help the effort to send medical supplies to Ukraine”. Financial aid as well as volunteers are required to help with these efforts. By getting involved in your community you can support this cause.
Marika and Irene believe that Ukraine will need medical aid for some time due to the ongoing war in the Donbas and because the restructuring and reforms of the healthcare system are still continuing. Until such time that Ukraine no longer requires the aid, Marika and Irene will continue to take on this cause. Donations of medical supplies and equipment can be passed on to International Hope Canada Inc. in Winnipeg or to local Ukrainian organizations in Canada.
Marika Dubyk and Irene Osinchuk, and their families, are old friends. They had been classmates at St. Boniface General Hospital School of Nursing in Winnipeg MB. Marika specialized in Intensive Care, Paediatrics and Diabetes Education and Irene spent her career as an Emergency and Intensive Care nurse.
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