We would like to share a story about an amazing girl we met. Her name is Solomiya and she is just 14 years old.
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, Solomiya’s family was a happy Ukrainian family. "Were" does not mean that they are unhappy now. It's just that happiness can be different, and manifest itself in different ways. After all, they are still together, with Faith, Hope and Love. It's not so much about the word happiness, it's about the embodiment of this concept.
Solomia and her parents, like thousands of Ukrainians, were forced to flee the war. In April 2023, the family flew to Canada for the first time, But their hopes did not work out this first time; Solomia’s parents could not find work, and the family could not find any affordable housing. It is hard to imagine what happens to the soul of a person who is forced to return to a place where it is intolerable, where it is dangerous, where no one expects you to be anymore. But…they had no choice but to go back to their native land. From there, Solomia’s father remotely searched for a job in Canada, so his family to have a chance at a more stable and sustainable "new life" in Canada for the second time.
And so, at the beginning of September 2023 - Solomiya and her parents returned to Canada. Not with tears and worries, but with more faith and hope. Having found a home to live in, they were able to receive furniture donations from local community members. This made things so much easier, and in the process, the family learned about an organization that helps newcomers from Ukraine get settled, the Waterloo Region Grassroots Response. The first person the family met was Maryanne, who they describe as a kind, sensitive, and sincere woman who became a friend of the family and still supports and helps them when they need it. Solomiya and her parents often talk about this wonderful volunteer and friend with such frank gratitude.
Solomiya, still a teenager, has now also become a volunteer. Because a person who knows what kindness is can understand how important it is to support another. Over the summer months, she and a friend helped arrange guest houses and call new arrivals to find out what help they needed. Solomiya is currently drawing beautiful pictures for the coming holidays. You have no idea how beautifully she draws. At just 14, she has an amazing talent. Her creative art expresses her love for the people she meets and for the work that she does as a volunteer helping other Ukrainians fleeing from war.
Despite her young age, Solomia is more mature and emotionally resilient than you might think. She is a very attentive listener and shows empathy for the feelings of others. She often inspires adults with her faith in the future and her enthusiasm, showing that difficulties can be overcome.
Each lives and experiences events differently. People have the right to "ground" in the way that is best for them. Some people immerse themselves in work, some in volunteering, some rush headlong into studies - it doesn't matter if it helps them live on. If you know what you can do to help, offer help and accept when people are not ready. Sometimes it takes time.
"Good is returned with good" is a truth that is reflected in our lives again and again. Kindness has an amazing capacity to multiply: every small act of kindness creates ripples that influence others and encourage them to do good deeds as well. Even when our efforts seem invisible, they can make a great difference in another person's life and inspire positive change. And the great power of doing good, is it always finds its way back.
Comments