Ukrainian-Canadian cyclist fundraiser makes tour stop in the Hat

By KENDALL KING on May 24, 2023.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Ukrainian-Canadian cyclist Dariy Khrystyuk stopped in Medicine Hat and met with members of the local Ukrainian community last week while completing a 5,000-plus kilometre ride to raise money for his homeland.

Born in Ukraine, Khrystyuk has lived in Canada since the age of 10. Though he was not residing in Ukraine at the time Russia launched its invasion in February 2022, he felt a deep kinship with the nation’s people and sorrow for the perils they face – feelings he still holds.

In an effort to provide support to those still residing in Ukraine, Khrystyuk decided earlier this year to raise money by bicycling from Vancouver to L̩vis, Que. Рsetting a fundraising goal of $21,200, or $4 per kilometre of his route.

“Since the beginning of the war, a lot of people are doing something (to assist the people of Ukraine),” Khrystyuk told the News. “But I wasn’t doing anything for my country, so I felt guilty … So, this is my way to (honour) my Ukrainian nationality.”

Khrystyuk says the funds he raises will be put toward reconstruction projects in Ukraine, with hopes it will finance creation of a community space in one of the country’s demolished cities. He is working to select a Ukraine-based organization to carry out construction.

Having begun his journey May 2, Khrystyuk expects to reach Quebec in late June or early July, and while he admits it has been difficult, he believes the purpose is worth it.

Hatter Anna Dmytriv, who joined roughly 35 other local Ukrainians in greeting Khrystyuk, is grateful he is going to such efforts to support Ukrainians, as well as generating awareness of the ongoing war.

“War is not a thing that you can get used to, but still sometimes it feels like it’s something already in your everyday life,” said Dmytriv. “It’s (natural) that societies all over the world can forget about it because everyone has their own lives and own issues every day … But Ukraine still needs a lot of support all over the world because our country is still occupied by Russian soldiers.

“So, we need a lot of support and we need to keep this awareness about it.”

Dmytriv and her daughter fled Ukraine following the invasion, but many of her family members and friends remain in the country, including her fiance, who is fighting on the front lines.

Thanks to the welcome reception of Hatters, Dmytriv says she and the approximately 300 other local Ukrainian refugees feel safe and supported in Medicine Hat. Yet, until the war is over, she says they exist in a constant state of uncertainty regarding the safety of loved ones and the country they still call home.

For more information on Khrystyuk’s fundraiser for Ukraine and ways to support, visit his Je Roule Pour l’Ukraine (I Ride for Ukraine) GoFundMe page.

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