Steppe Up for Ukraine fundraiser returns

An avid cyclist herself, Christyna Prokipchuk is organizing her second annual fundraising cycling tour to raise money to send to Ukraine, and also to help those who have left their war-torn country to come to Niagara.

While there is war fatigue, and the people of Ukraine have slipped off our radar, the need is greater than ever, says Prokipchuk.

The event is called Steppe Up for Ukraine — the steppes are a region in southern Ukraine, an area of natural green space with the longest growing season, not unlike our Niagara region, she says, with its farmland and vineyards.

This year’s ride is on Saturday, July 22, and registration is open now.

“Last year, we had lots of newcomers from Ukraine come as volunteers. Several said they want to come back and volunteer again this year,” she says.

A year later, says Prokipchuk, the war continues, but the news “is just not sexy anymore,” while both people in Ukraine and newcomers to Niagara need help now more than ever.

As it did year, some of the funds raised will go to Help Us Help, a registered Canadian Ukrainian charity that has been helping in Ukraine for a long time.

This year, funds will also go to the Niagara Chapter of The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, led by Irene Newton, to help Ukrainians who fled the war and have settled here in Niagara.

“Irene has been instrumental in helping newcomers settle in the region,” says Prokipchuk.

Many who arrived were women in their 30s and 40s who had successful careers, she says, and took the first job they could get. As they settled, got their kids in school, were able to get their driver’s licences and study English, they are now doing much better.

But there are no more emergency visas for newcomers, and although they work hard, improve their English and find better jobs, they need help in the meantime.

“Ten million people have left Ukraine,” says Prokipchuk. “That’s about one-quarter of the population. They’re the ones who have the ability to leave. Those that have to stay because of martial law, brothers, husbands, sons, or who don’t have the money, who aren’t healthy enough, have now sustained a year of aggression. There is so much need, to care for orphans, for summer camp for orphans. War fatigue has set in but it’s not a time to give up. It’s more important than ever to contribute.”

She is hoping for 100 cyclists — the self-guided rides will be limited — with a goal of exceeding last year’s total of $100,000 raised.

The tour starts with a brief ceremony and blessing at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church in Niagara Falls, stops at notable Ukrainian sites along the way, and ends with some nourishing home-made Ukrainian food.

This year, there are three distances offered as part of the event: the shortest is a 20-kilometre route for those who want to get out for a spin and have some fun while supporting a great cause.

A 120-kilometre route for those who are looking for something more intense takes cyclists to Rosewood Estates Winery and back, with an option of a 60-kilometre route that ends at the turnaround point.

Riders will be organized in ‘self-guided’ waves by distance and speed (much like a regular weekly group ride, where each rider respects the rule of the road).

Funds can be raised by individual riders, donations, and riders fundraising, which is required for registration.

There are also sponsorship opportunities.

For those who cannot participate at the event, but still want to contribute, there are other opportunities to do so, by donating to a team member’s fundraising page, providing sponsorship, or donating goods or services for the event day.

For more information, to register or donate visitjustgiving.com/campaign/STEPPEUPforUkraine23.