SPRING 2024

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‍1. Letter from the President

Welcome to the spring.

We have not released a newsletter in some time, largely because we are all so busy both professionally and personally. MFNO is very busy with many activities and assistance in the works, which we'll update you on.

It is important to mention we are only funded through donations, we currently do not receive any government funding or support and are completely run by volunteers. Ukrainians wanting to come to Canada today and in the future need more support as the Canadian government's support for programs is concluding. People reach out from all over Europe who now know our name, asking for help and support, as we do everything we can to make their first steps in our country for them easier. Arranging hotels, finding accommodations, job options, to helping them register children for school, and more. We are very proud that 100% of all our funds go to serving these initial needs in our programs to help them. Our online donation portal continues to receive donated goods of clothing, food, furniture, and other supplies to help newcomers get settled and started in Canada. 

Our Aerial Photography of Ukraine exhibition is continuing for an extended showing until May 5th, in cooperation with Station Gallery in Whitby, Ontario, MFNO, and Fundraise Ukraine the exhibit is by Ukrainian artist Zinoviy Pidperyhora. With over 50 images that include historical information in English and Ukrainian, they are also available for immediate order online. Own the copy directly in the show! Thanks to Station Gallery for hosting this exhibition with continued support to the Ukrainian community and initiatives. Read more below...

All proceeds from this exhibition will go towards MFNO initiatives for Ukrainian newcomers to Canada. 

It's with great pleasure MFNO and the help of Access Abilities, The Canadian Government, Umair, and a private donor, we were able to facilitate the complete cost of a $5500 wheelchair to a Ukrainian newcomer we're helping. Thank you very much to everyone who was involved in this assistance, more information is below. 

Chris Ursulak

President & CEO

2. MFNO Annual General Meeting

AGM waived by resolution.

MFNO operationally has not had any change in operational or administrative function requiring director input and vote. In addition to this, our executive team is currently spread out around the world including Ukraine, Germany and Canada. 

In light of this, the directors voted to waive this year's Annual General Meeting and hold on to our current initiatives and endeavours. 

The board always welcomes input and suggestions which can be sent to info@mfno.org. 

3. The Gift of Wheels

Igor Mykytiuk arrived in Canada with his mother looking to start a new life and create opportunities where in Ukraine there were none. Igor cannot walk and does not have the use of his legs. Through MFNO placement process we found a suitable living accommodation that could facilitate their needs. MFNO was put in contact with Aaron Ryan of Access Abilities, a supplier of wheelchairs out of Etobicoke. The company immediately knew how to help and assist with sourcing government partial funding, the rest we hoped to find through donations and other channels.

It was a long process, taking many months to obtain an occupational therapist report, sizing and activity requirements, a design chair trial, private donor contributions and finally all leading to the day the final production chair would arrive which you see here. 

This final chair was delivered on April 17th, 2024 to an ecstatic family that could hardly believe it had arrived. In a letter written to MFNO and the private donor Igor was so grateful for the help and assistance he and his family have received. 

"Хочу висловити щиру подяку за вашу щедрість та спонсорство, яке дозволило мені отримати інвалідний візок. Ваша допомога неоціненна для мене, і я вдячний за вашу великодушність та підтримку. Цей візок стане важливим засобом для полегшення мого повсякденного життя, і я ціную вашу допомогу надзвичайно.
З повагою,
Ігор Микитюк і його батьки"
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity and sponsorship, which allowed me to receive a wheelchair. Your help is invaluable to me and I am grateful for your generosity and support. This wheelchair will be an important tool in making my daily life easier and I appreciate your help immensely.
Sincerely yours,
Igor Mykytyuk and his parents"

4. The Air of Freedom

Aerial Photographs of Ukraine Exhibition

‍Extended to May 5th, 2024 

Station Gallery

1450 Henry Street, Whitby, ON

The Air of Freedom, displaying Aerial Photographs of Ukraine is an exhibition of 50 aerial photographs of monuments of history and architecture of Ukraine, printed on canvas by photographer Zinoviy Pidperyhora.  

Each image has a brief historical synopsis in Ukrainian and English, which can be viewed and ordered immediately by scanning a QR code and purchasing on the smartphone. This one-of-a-kind collection is its first full showing in Canada with every image on display in its intended printed size. 

Ukraine is rich in culture and history and these images with historical backgrounds are just the beginning of exploring such a beautiful country and people. The war threatens to destroy the Ukrainian people, culture and lands, with unbelievable destruction and devastation already experienced by so many. Allow yourself to be immersed in the tranquil images and stories that truly represent Ukrainians and their way of life throughout history.

During the exhibition, a public webinar will be organized for anyone to speak directly to the artist in Ukraine. Hear him talk about experiences and the history of the locations, and ask questions about any image in particular you want to know more about.  

MAKE SURE YOU DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!

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MFNO is a federally registered Charity - Registration Number: 732632203 RR0001

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