Victoria grew up with her parents, Natalia and Viktor, and two brothers. When she was just starting kindergarten, she was chosen by a Chalice sponsor, through our Pochaiv, Ukraine site.
The sponsorship came at the perfect time.
“At that time, her large family was going through very difficult times,” says Pochaiv staff. Natalia needed to care for her youngest son, and so the family relied on Viktor, who was often sick. Victoria too had chronic health challenges and needed multiple surgeries. “The family budget was strained, with most funds dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of both Victoria and her father,” staff say.
With her sponsor’s support, Victoria bloomed.
“It turned out that Viktoria had remarkable creative abilities – a talent for music and painting,” say staff. Thanks her sponsor, Natalia could afford art supplies and classes, and Victoria was an eager student.
Thanks to everyone who gave art supplies through Chalice’s gift catalogue, Victoria received her own easel and paint set, “further fueling her passion for art.”
“Nine years of sponsorship by Chalice yielded remarkable results. Victoria graduated from two state art schools – art and music school with a piano class – with honors!!!” say staff, with well-deserved exclamation points.
This year, Victoria achieved another great dream – she was accepted into an arts college.
“We believe that God has rewarded her with such talent,” say the Pochaiv team.
“She constantly emphasizes that it is only thanks to her participation in the sponsorship program that she could achieve such success and have the opportunity to develop and learn.”
“She is happy and extends heartfelt thanks to Chalice for their unwavering support!”
See all the drawings at: chalice.ca/through-my-eyes