The music was powerful, the stories emotional, and the message clear; the connection between Manitoba and Ukraine remains strong and deeply meaningful. Two concerts were held over the weekend in Steinbach and Winnipeg, bringing together the Faith and Life Male Choir and the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus, to celebrate 25 years of humanitarian work by the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine. The performances also featured special guest Olga Rubel, who leads humanitarian efforts on the ground in Ukraine. A Milestone Worth Celebrating Chris Goertzen, Vice Chair of the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine, says this work is invaluable. “It’s been 25 years that we’ve been doing this. However, in the last number of years, with the war going on, it’s been really difficult, but also really important work they do.” Goertzen said the concerts were not only a celebration of music but also a symbol of the connection between Canada and Ukraine. “Many people here, especially those with Mennonite backgrounds, can trace their roots right back to the very areas we’re helping now. It’s meaningful for us to support people who are vulnerable in the same places our grandparents once were.” From Ukraine With Gratitude Olga Rubel, who coordinates humanitarian projects through the Mennonite Centre, shared heartfelt thanks with audiences in both cities. Speaking about her work, she explained that her team operates across Ukraine, from the west to the front-line regions in the east and south. “I’m originally from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, which is very close to the front line,” Rubel said. “We work mostly with local churches that help people who have lost everything, the elderly, the disabled, and people whose homes are destroyed by the ongoing war. We support about 100 of the most vulnerable people.” Rubel said one of their biggest projects is in Kharkiv Oblast, a region that was once occupied but has since been liberated. “It’s very much ruined, and there are lots of mines there,” she said. “We have a church partner helping with basic needs like food and drinking water for people in the town and 16 surrounding villages.” The Mennonite Centre in Ukraine also supports programs for children, medical projects, and education, even helping fund underground schools for safety. “Life is going on, children are growing, and we need to encourage them,” she said. “When you donate, you are helping people survive, and you are helping build the future of Ukraine. We are extremely grateful for everything you are doing for us.” Helping From Afar For Dave Regehr, Chair of the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine, the 25-year journey has been filled with countless meaningful moments. He and his wife have travelled to Ukraine a dozen times since 2006 to visit projects, meet local families, and report back to donors in Canada. “We’ve been able to help local people in the villages, individuals with medical needs who can’t afford treatment, hospitals that need equipment, and schools that need supplies,” Regehr said. “One project that’s very special to us is a school for children with autism called Prometey. It started with just 10 or 12 children, and now there are over 200 involved. It’s always a delight to visit them.” Music That Connects With this being the 25th anniversary of the non-profit organization, Regehr said the idea for the anniversary concerts came together about a year ago. “The Faith and Life Male Choir has actually visited Ukraine back in 2016, so they were enthusiastic to be part of the celebration. Then we reached out to the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus of Winnipeg, and they were excited to join forces as well.” The two choirs performed separately and then together for a joint finale, a symbolic show of unity. Between the choirs, audiences heard from Rubel, who shared stories of hope and resilience from her work in Ukraine. For everyone involved, it was an emotional and inspiring weekend, a reminder that even from across the ocean, people in Manitoba continue to make a real difference in the lives of people touched by war. As Goertzen summed up, “This connection, between our history, our roots, and the people in Ukraine today, it matters. It’s important, it’s significant, and it’s meaningful.”