http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1041608–ukrainians-unite-for-somali-famine-relief
Ukrainians unite for Somali famine relief
August 18, 2011
Ashante Infantry
Former Etobicoke Centre MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj is leading the Ukrainian communityâs fundraising effort for famine relief in Somalia.
âThe images of starving childrenâ were the impetus for the program by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, which kicks off Friday, he said.
The tragedy unfolding in Africa resonates particularly with his community because of the 1932-33 Holodomor, a Ukraine famine which killed millions and is commemorated annually, said Wrzesnewskyj.
âOf course every Canadian is affected by those horrific images,â explained the three-term MP and Future Bakery owner who visited Somalia in 2005. âBut Ukrainians anywhere in the world are especially sensitized to famine. We canât help but think, âWhat can we do as a collective?ââ he said.
âIn the historical recollection, people understood that this was a period of almost two years of a famine in Ukraine and people slowly starved. And people also understand the first to die are the most vulnerable, the children. And thatâs the future, and itâs the future thatâs being taken away from a people. Thatâs whatâs happening in Somalia, and you wonât see those horrific images of damage that you see with other natural disasters.â
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http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1041608–ukrainians-unite-for-somali-famine-relief