HOUGHTON -- Undaunted by Copper Country snow and ice, Yoopers for Ukraine are continuing their weekly Walks for Ukraine across the Portage Lift Bridge on Sunday afternoons since Jan. 1, 2023. The Walks now begin on the Houghton side of the bridge at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Yoopers for Ukraine also welcome Ukrainian families to join their walks.
One Ukrainian family, who have been here for six months, joined the Jan. 15 Walk: Angi Denesynko, her husband, Vitalii, and their two daughters, Riana and Alisa. They have participated in several events sponsored by Yoopers for Ukraine.
Angi Denesynko spoke with Keweenaw Now about her concerns for her country and for her mother, who is still in Ukraine.
During the Jan. 15, 2023, Walk for Ukraine from Houghton to Hancock, Angi Denesynko of Ukraine speaks about the war in her country one day after the tragic bombing of an apartment house in Dnipro, Ukraine, and her concern for her own family. (Video interview by Keweenaw Now)Yoopers for Ukraine to walk in Heikinpäivä Parade
Following the Jan. 15 Walk, Nadija Packauskas announced that Finlandia has invited Yoopers for Ukraine to participate in the Heikinpäivä Parade on Saturday, Jan. 28. Supporters of Ukraine who wish to walk with them are invited to meet at 11 a.m. near La Cantina Restaurant, 101 E. Quincy Street, Hancock, where the parade begins.
"We will have flags and signs!" Nadija said. "The public is welcome to help us in thanking Finlandia for their continued support! Finnish flags are welcome too!"
January 8 Walk in sunshine
On Jan. 8, 2023, sunshine warmed the walkers somewhat and Yoopers for Ukraine welcomed a new Ukrainian family, who recently arrived in Chassell, invited by Anna Polovets Hill (see photo above).
"We are happy to welcome the nephew of one of our members, Anna of Chassell," Nadija told Keweenaw Now. "Roman, his daughter Maria and his beloved girlfriend, Larisa, arrived in the Copper Country in December and are quite pleased with the kindness and beauty of the area. They hope to learn to ski soon! If anyone in the area wants to assist this family or any of our recently arrived familes feel free to email yoopersforukraine@gmail.com. One family is looking for an apartment or home to rent."
January 6 visit with Ukrainian families in Marquette
Nadija, her son, Robert, and her Dad, Vytautas, visited two Ukrainian families in Marquette for a Ukrainian Christmas celebration on January 6, 2023.
"We had traditional Ukrainian treats and exchanged gifts for the kids," Nadija said.
January 1 Walk for Ukraine
Yoopers for Ukraine began the New Year with a Sunday walk on Jan. 1.
How you can help
As a spokesperson for Yoopers for Ukraine, Nadija Packauskas says there are several ways local residents can help Ukrainian refugees.
"Every Ukrainian, whether in Ukraine or displaced around the world, only wants the same thing -- this war to end," Nadija told Keweenaw Now. "And the best way to help a refugee is to do all you can to help end it. Write, call, and talk to our legislators, your family and friends -- and support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. This remains a stain on humanity and remains the most critical moment in our modern history. Wanna help refugees? Help Ukraine! Give them a home to go home to!"*
* Editor's Note: To donate for aid to Ukraine, see the following:
https://www.ukrainetrustchain.org/donate-yoopers
https://sharedetroit.org/nonprofit/share-ukraine
See their action for contacting Michigan elected officials:
https://sharedetroit.org/events/help-ukraine-contacting-our-elected-officials
https://ucareinc.org/ (Aid for Ukrainian children)
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