Christmas Project 2025: Delivering Joy to 200 Ukrainian Children in Waterloo Region
- olgastrasburger
- Dec 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 13
By Olena Gadomska.
On this Saturday morning, an unusual bustle was noticed outside the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration. The doors were opening and closing more often than usual.
That was because self-appointed Santa’s helpers - dozens of volunteers and friends had gathered with a very serious and responsible mission: to create a Christmas miracle by preparing and delivering gifts for 200 children from Ukraine and for families who have lived through war, loss, and displacement.
The hall filled with a festive working atmosphere, accompanied by the traditionally magical “Carol of the Bells.” Some volunteers lined gift boxes along the walls, others spread out colourful wrapping paper and shimmering ribbons. Bags rustled, scissors clicked - someone carefully placed a toy into a box, someone checked a list, someone gently tied a bow.
Amid all this care, you could hear quiet, thoughtful words: “Pass me the ribbon”, “This one is for a younger child, “Careful - it’s fragile.”
And inside every package, there was more than a toy or a sweet. Each one carried a message for every child and family: “You are not forgotten”, “You are being thought of”, “Christmas will come to you, too.”
During short breaks between wrapping gifts, there was the aroma of fresh coffee. Between checking lists - friendly conversations. And between tasks - quiet thoughts of Ukraine.
The Santa’s helpers accomplished something truly magical that day, preparing Christmas gifts for 200 Ukrainian children, Christmas meals and clothing for families, Food hampers for 15 families and food gift cards for 50 people, Walmart gift cards for 150 people.
But behind these numbers was something much greater - kindness, energy, responsibility, humanity, and care.
The reactions of the families and children were perhaps the most important part of the day.
Messages began arriving almost immediately - sincere, emotional, and very personal.
Parents shared that they had not told their children about the gifts in advance, so the arrival of Santa’s helpers became a real surprise for them. The children were genuinely amazed, if only for a moment. Then, with curiosity and confidence, they began unpacking the gifts, and soon were holding their long-awaited Christmas presents with huge smiles, bright eyes, and joyful excitement.
For some families, the gifts met very practical needs - the shoes fit perfectly, and the items were exactly what was needed. Some families choose to place the presents under the Christmas tree and wait for Christmas Day.
Grassroots and Ukrainian families are deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us, supported us, believed in us, and made this Christmas miracle possible:
• Jenn Metzloff, her family, and friends - for coordinating the entire Christmas project
• RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc - for financial support and for helping families with gifts, meals, and clothing
We also sincerely thank:
• Rotary Club of Waterloo - for a magical appearance at the party with a cheque for $1,500
• Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration - for providing the space and hospitality
• St. Vincent de Paul at Blessed Sacrament Church - for food hampers for 15 families and food gift cards
• St. Vincent de Paul (St. Michael Parish) - for Walmart gift cards for 150 people
And the many community members who donated, wrapped, and delivered gifts!
This was a day when different people became one team with a shared desire to help.
A day that once again reminded us that true strength lives in community. You can upload the photo here:
