Kyiv-born Surrey student gathers money and donations in support of Ukraine
Illya Gekhman, who was born in Kyiv and lived there until his family moved to Canada in 2012, was inspired to start a fundraiser at his school following the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In just three days, the fundraiser gathered $1,400 and filled an office with donations of clothing, toiletries, first aid supplies and other essential items.
“I just really wanted to help my country,” said Gekhman. “Most of my family lives here but I do have some family still in Ukraine.”
Gekhman said his family has been able to contact his relatives in Ukraine, who have found safety from the conflict zones.
During the fundraiser, the school also hosted a Spirit Day where students and staff wore yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Gekhman said he was astounded by the amount of support he received from his school community.
“I was shocked by the number of people who wanted to donate – we had a donation of $225 from just one student,” he said. “There were a lot of donations and people bringing in multiple bags of clothes and items and brand new toiletries.
“I thought we would get a lot less, but on the last day, I was looking at the room with all the clothes and there was a huge pile – I was thankful for everything that everyone had done.”
Gekhman said the money will go to the Ukrainian army for supplies such as heavyweight bandages to manage wounds, and humanitarian aid packages will be shipped through Meest, a Toronto-based shipping organization with ties to Ukraine.
While the school fundraiser is over, Gekhman encourages others to donate to the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF or other credible charitable organizations supporting Ukraine.
For those looking to donate items other than money, consider donating the following in-demand items:
- Non-perishable food
- Clothing and footwear
- Thermal underwear
- Hygiene products (women’s products, diapers, etc.)
- Blankets
- Bedding
- Tablewear (disposable)
- First Aid supplies and kits
- Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags
- Standalone lamps
- Candles
- Containers for liquids (canisters for water, fuel, lubricants with capacity of 10-20 litres)
Gekhman also wished to thank principal Mike Sweeney and the Panorama Ridge school community for their generosity in gathering donations and raising money.
“Mr. Sweeney and the students and staff at Panorama Ridge have given tremendous support and I just couldn’t do this without them,” he said.
