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On December 28, 2025, on the eve of the New Year, the weather in Ontario, Canada, was harsh, with sleet falling from the sky. Despite poor road conditions, Tzu Chi volunteers from North Toronto still set out as planned to visit and care for two Ukrainian newcomer families—Maksym Bakriev and Nina Tk ach—continuing a companionship and blessing that has remained unbroken for three and a half years.
From War to Safety: Accompanying Ukrainian Families as They Rebuild Their Lives
This meaningful connection began on June 16, 2022, when Tzu Chi Canada’s Eastern Office held its third relief distribution for Ukrainian refugees. Forced by war to leave their homeland, the two families had just arrived in Canada. Their eyes were filled with anxiety and exhaustion, yet they strove to find a ray of hope for the future in this unfamiliar land.
Three and a half years later, the North Toronto volunteers are gratified to see them gradually finding their footing in Canada. With strong English skills, Maksym has actively integrated into society. Last year, he successfully obtained permanent residency and transitioned to a more stable job. He shared with gratitude that during his most uncertain moments upon first arriving, it was Tzu Chi’s long-term, steadfast care that gave him immense support and strength.
Nina currently works in a bakery, single-handedly supporting the family and caring for two children. The children have been growing taller in Canada and have become more mature and sensible. Her older son, Pavlo, is now seventeen and in Grade 12, expecting to graduate in June 2026.
However, because their permanent residency application is still in process, he cannot apply for university or student loans. Facing high tuition costs, he has mentally prepared himself to enter the workforce after graduation and return to school once his status is approved. His understanding and maturity leave the volunteers both pained and reluctant at heart.
From Receivers to Givers: A Single Good Thought Starts a Cycle of Warmth
During the conversation, Pavlo proudly showed a handmade gift he made for his younger sister, Darianna—filled with brotherly love and care. To the volunteers’ surprise, the clothing even had Chinese characters such as “I,” “don’t,” and “want” on it. Tzu Chi volunteer Jane Huang took the opportunity to encourage Pavlo that if he is interested, he could learn Chinese at the TCML (Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning) adult class in the future, opening up more possibilities for further education or career development.
The aunt in the family, Rose, also shared via phone translation that she had undergone hip surgery about a month ago and still needs at least five months of rehabilitation. Fortunately, company insurance is helping cover related medical expenses, temporarily easing the family’s financial pressure.
The most moving moment of this home visit was that Maksym and Nina, without prior coordination, both brought out their bamboo banks and personally handed over a year’s worth of accumulated donations to volunteers from Tzu Chi North Toronto. They said that although they are still working hard to make ends meet, they hope to contribute what they can to help those who need help even more.
Maksym also shared that he is still using the blankets and desk donated by Tzu Chi back then. Every time he sees them and uses them, he is reminded of this enduring companionship, which brings him peace of mind and warmth.
Transforming from receivers of aid to givers of help, a single kind intention—quietly, a cycle of goodness is taking root. Tzu Chi’s companionship is not merely short-term material aid, but a devoted, enduring love. In the depths of winter, love makes the road ahead less lonely and lights a beacon of hope for the new year.
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