Ukrainian mother who fled with children set to celebrate first Christmas in Canada
A Ukrainian mother who fled her country with her children is set to celebrate her first Christmas in Canada.
Olesia Chychkevych left Ukraine with her three sons in March due to the war. The family went to Poland before coming to Winnipeg in August.
"I'm so happy because we sleep without bombs, and my kids were not scared and were not crying. When the war started, he was very scared. He cried none stop, 24 hours a day," she said, holding the youngest of her children in her arms.
Chychkevych said it was a very difficult decision to leave her home.
"My husband stayed there, and my relatives and my parents. But I decided to just save my kids and that’s why I decided to come to Poland first and then to Canada."
She was at City Hall Thursday night with her children to celebrate the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at City Hall. The tree is adorned with blue and yellow decorations and lights – a show of support for Ukraine.
"I am so happy because Christmas is my favourite holiday and my family's favourite holiday, but you know what? My family is happy that I saved my kids and that we are happy here."
Chychkevych said she is so grateful for the warmth she received when she arrived in Canada.
"You opened not (just) your doors, you opened your hearts for us," she said. "I am so grateful for each Canadian."
You can watch the full interview with Chychkevych here.
-with files from CTV's Colleen Bready
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.