Ukrainians starting over celebrate first St. Nicholas Day in Canada

Members of the Oxford County community threw a holiday party Sunday for Ukrainians celebrating their first St. Nicholas Day in Canada.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have come to Canada since February when Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of their homeland. Most of them are starting over with only the bare essentials and no toys for their children, said volunteer Irene Tiegs, an Oxford County resident who helped to organize the party in Innerkip, Ont.

"Many of them didn't even bring one toy, so we wanted to do St. Nicholas Day for the children," said Tiegs, who comes from a Ukrainian family.

"It's emotional because a lot of tears have been shed, a lot of emotions being expressed, you know, over the loss of all our people. To have a happy day and see the children here today is wonderful."

More than 30 children were at the event that honoured the Ukrainian tradition. They were from families who are currently being hosted in Oxford County or have already gone on to find their own accommodations.

Some families, like Hanna Fenko and her 16-year-old son Tuimur, have been in Canada for three weeks, just in time to celebrate the holidays.

"Christmas is everywhere. There's a lot of lights here," said Tuimur. "I feel like it's in the winter, in the air. It's cool."

Vladyslav Khanyeyev has been in Canada with his family for seven months. He took time off from his job at an area dairy farm to play St. Nick for the kids and hand out presents.

"Christmas is always a big holiday for families," said Khanyeyev. "Usually families try to get together and celebrate it together, and especially children like Christmas and St. Nicholas Day because they expect to get some gifts on both days [and then] a few days later onNew Year's again. So, it's children's time now."

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated Monday in Ukraine. It's normally when Alina Koval, 13, would wake up expecting to find a present left under her pillow before heading off to school. This year things may be different, but Koval said she's happy to be in Canada.

"When we just moved here after three days, [our hosts] gave us a basket of stuff that we needed like a hat and maple syrup," she said. "I'm really grateful to these people that were nice to me and to my mom, especially to my niece and family in general. I love all of them."