Category: Get Involved

This past August, Lesya and her family endured an unexpected disaster. A fire, caused by an electrical short circuit, blazed throughout Lesya's family home near our Ternopil Site in Ukraine. The fire damaged much of their kitchen and furniture, and destroyed the roof and beams in their nearby barn and shed. Lesya's mother, Halyna, raises her four children alone. The family survives on their garden and small poultry farm. The damage caused by the fire was devastating to the family's daily lives and livelihood.

After the fire, emergency services launched an investigation to assess damages. The total damage caused by the fire was more than $4000 CAD. It would cost a minimum of $2300 to repair the facilities for basic use. Since the family wasn't able to afford insurance, they would have to cover the cost of repairs out of pocket - a cost they certainly would never be able to afford on their own.

It was imperative that the structures receive the necessary repairs quickly for the sake of the family's livelihood and comfort before the chill of winter set in. Our Ternopil Site launched a Critical Needs Fund for $2324.82 for repairs to the barn, shed, and kitchen, and to replace some of the furniture lost in the blaze.

Thanks to the outpouring of love and generosity from our supporters, we were able to raise all of the required funds in time to complete the repairs before the cold winter months. In addition to repairs on the barn, the family was able to purchase a used sofa, armchairs, stools, a table, and a cupboard to replace their lost furniture. They were lucky to find the used furniture at a very affordable price!

"The family would not have been able to have the repairs completed without Chalice support," says Luba, our Ternopil site director. "They are very grateful for the fast response and the support given for the renovations."

We'd like to offer sincere thanks to all of our  donors who helped this vulnerable family rebuild and recover. May God bless you abundantly!

Did you know that winters in Ukraine are just as cold as Canadian winters? Even though Lesya's home is prepared for the cold and snow, many other Ukrainian families lack the supplies needed to withstand the winter. This year, you can give the gift of warm winter clothing or heating supplies for vulnerable families through our gift catalogue.

Category: Get Involved

Canadians all across the country are living "Love in Action" with our 2018 Christmas gift catalogue. When you give a gift through our catalogue, you'll provide essential needs to vulnerable children and families in the developing world.

Your gift is two gifts in one - you can honour a friend or loved one with your donation, and they'll receive a beautiful handwritten card telling them of the special gift purchased on their behalf.

Twelve-year-old Jane, from Tignish, P.E.I., has been hard at work putting her love in action this Christmas season. When Jane and her mother, Lisa, received this year's catalogue in the mail, Jane expressed her wish to help others. "Jane loves seeing the catalogue every year," Lisa says. "When it arrived, she decided she wanted to do something for those less fortunate this Christmas - so she asked her family members to fill a basket that she could sell tickets on." Jane is using all of the proceeds from ticket sales to buy items for those in need through the Chalice Christmas gift catalogue.

Lisa started teaching Jane about the importance of caring for others at a very young age. When Jane was three years old, their family began sponsoring a child through Chalice. "Our sponsored child, Alanis, is from Paraguay. She's now 12, just like Jane." They keep in close touch with Alanis, and Lisa describes Chalice as "near and dear" to their family.

So far, Jane's raised over $400 through ticket sales, and isn't done yet! She's working hard selling tickets, and has some dates booked to sell to customers at local businesses. She and her mother are also responsible for distributing gift catalogues at their church, Parish of St. Simon and St. Jude, and are making sure everyone sees this year's catalogue!

Lisa is so pleased with Jane's efforts. "I'm beyond proud of her giving heart," she expresses. We'd like to offer our sincere thanks and blessings to Jane and her family - thank you for making a difference for others this Christmas!