Saskatoon SK NASHI – Our Children Charity 2004

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, NASHI – Our Children Charity, 2004

Prehistory

The “NASHI – Our Children Charity” is a non-profit charitable oganisation centred in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

This charitable organisation is concerned with eliminating human trafficking, and particularly with the trafficking of children in Ukraine for nefarious purposes.

This organisation has nothing to do with any other organisations which may use a similar name.

The prehistory of “NASHI – Our Children” is found first in the personal experience of Savelia Curniski (supplemented by that of her mother, Lydia Curniski) about life in Ukraine, and particularly after its declaration of independence in 1990. Savelia, like her mother, has been a serious and active Orthodox Christian, living and working in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Their experience of life in Ukraine after its independence produced a concern to help Ukrainians in some way, and also to help Canadian descendants of Ukrainian immigrants re-connect with their families in Ukraine. During trips to Ukraine, Savelia’s experience continued to expand.

Establishment of a tour/pilgrimage company

Very soon, Savelia founded a touring company called “Savelia’s Tours to Ukraine”. Hundreds of Canadians since then have travelled with this company. Canadian dance groups, pilgrimage groups, and individuals seeking their roots in Ukraine became Savelia’s specialties. In association with this company, she facilitated several pilgrimages of Canadians to holy places in Ukraine. She was also instrumental in setting up a Canadian company “Sabrama International” that acquired property in Ukraine.

Development of humanitarian aid work for Ukraine

It was also during these travels to Ukraine that Savelia had the occasion in 1998 to meet the Roman Catholic priest Patrick Cosgrove of Nova Scotia, Canada.

At that time, he was the president of “Christian Child Care International”, later called “Chalice”. Savelia was concerned that this Canadian sponsorship programme take poor and orphaned Ukrainian children under their umbrella. Her concern that this organisation add Ukraine to their realm of helping bore fruit. Various projects for aid in Ukraine were established.

Savelia then met many Orthodox Christian Canadians and others who have undertaken to sponsor children and families in Ukraine through this charity. Their support has gone far to ease the poverty of many, and to open doors to a good education for capable children. Since then, this Canadian support has gone far to ease the poverty of more than 3,500 children.

The beginning of “NASHI”, 2004

In 2004, Savelia saw human trafficking happening before her eyes (as it were, first-hand), while she was on one of her tours in Ukraine. What she saw was the result of young girls having become victims of predators. It was not long before she understood that it was common for such predators to snatch these girls as they were dismissed at the age of 15 from the state-run orphanages (of which there were many).

A beneficial encounter

Savelia was both appalled and shocked. She asked how this modern day slavery could be alive and thriving in the 21st century. She, as each of those who encountered this, faced a dilemma – “Can I do anything to expose this atrocity, or do I simply say that this is not my concern ?”

In 2004, Victor Malarek (the well-known “CTV” journalist and author, who is also a supporter of NASHI) published the book “The Natashas”. This is a heart-wrenching exposé about girls who are taken into bondage by predators. Savelia and her friend Betti Lawrence read the book, and they attended a conference in Edmonton, Alberta, so that they could hear him present the hard truth about human trafficking.

Founding of "NASHI"

Savelia lived most of her life, believing that she could do something, no matter how insignificant. Therefore, after a few phone calls to friends and acquaintances, around her kitchen table, the charity NASHI was formed. NASHI is a group dedicated to making Canadians aware of human trafficking and also the building of a safe house for at-risk young girls in Ukraine known as the "Maple Leaf Centre". This is an amazing 14,000 square feet building. It took considerable renovation to make the building a suitable centre that could serve as a home for 20 girls at a time. This work was accomplished by many volunteers from North America. While at the safe-home, the young girls are helped to be healed from previous abuses. Because this takes time, it is helpful that they are not required to leave before they are ready. They are provided with opportunities to develop self-supporting skills. They are helped to prepare themselves for a future of their own choosing. Again, without a road map or GPS, Savelia believed that this safe house could become a reality : you simply need to trust that God is leading and guiding you – and then take a step of faith.

Upon returning to Saskatoon, Savelia and her friends asked themselves “What could we do ? How could we make a difference ? If we could change one person’s life, we could change their world ! Wouldn’t it be great if we could do this ?” They knew people who would be interested, and so the kitchen table talks began. Savelia, Betti, Terri, Eugene and Nancy, Stan and Pat all said, “Yes, we can !” and they became the founding board members of a new charitable organisation.

The second time around the table was a “brainstorming” session in search of a name. “NASHI” was chosen, which means ‘OUR’ in Ukrainian. This name captured the essence of why the group was forming. They all knew that the children needed “OUR” assistance and so it became “OUR” responsibility and “OUR” commitment to do something for them. The logo which they chose also illustrates this message, since it depicts the loving security of being under the wings of a dove. It is embedded on a "rushnyk" (embroidered scarf) in order to symbolise comfort and compassion.

Fundraising

Savelia again travelled to Ukraine in 2004. While there, she talked to the director of an orphanage about what was envisioned for and by NASHI. In this context, she helped others to understand that when young people arrive at the age of 15, the national policy of the state-run orphanages is to expel them without means onto the street. There, unless they can be protected by those who would properly care for them, they are immediately taken up by opportunistic profiteers who induct the youths into the sex-trade as slaves.

Savelia also sought out children in Ukraine who could and would participate in the production of a fundraising CD of Ukrainian Christmas Carols called “The Bells of Hope”. The “Christian Child Care International” (CCCI) as it was then called, provided the singers for producing the CD. CCCI had already undertaken to provide for and protect as many as possible of those who were vulnerable to enslavement.

Formation of a trade-school

Then came the donation of a sewing machine, which provided the impetus for the beginning of a trade-school. Soon, additional machines were purchased, and a space was found and rented in Lviv in Western Ukraine. The need for computers was identified, and this became the next focus of the NASHI efforts. The main purpose of the development of the trade-school was to provide the young people with practical training and life-skills so that they would be employable and so that they could support themselves.

A person, not a thing

Fundraising in Canada, 2004

In October, 2004, the first money-raising event for the trade school in Ukraine took place at the “Odeon Event Centre” in Saskatoon. It was at that time that the CD “The Bells of Hope” was released.

For that event, the first NASHI newsletter was created in order to tell the story ; to invite encouragement and support ; and, most importantly, to inform people about the atrocities of human trafficking.

The two-fold purpose

It was at that time that the NASHI leadership understood that their purpose was two-fold : 1) to change the realities of these young people ; 2) to provide education to a broad range of people about the horrors of human slavery. Was this attainable ? Those at the table thought it was. Therefore, they decided that they would hold 2 yearly events – a fundraiser event, and an educational event.

The first purpose was later refined by explaining the method : the first purpose is to educate people about human trafficking by providing forums and workshops nationally and internationally.

The second goal, the building of a safehouse for at risk young girls in Ukraine, was accomplished quickly. The Maple Leaf House is a live-in facility that provides shelter, food and a home environment for up to 20 girls. In this context, the commitment of NASHI is to educate these girls until they can become productive members of their society. NASHI’S motto is : “DO SOMETHING”

2005 : The work develops and continues

In 2005, at the partnered trade school, youth were acquiring new skills. In Ukraine, a video was produced. It captured the reality of human trafficking, such as girls at a truck stop, and it presented NASHI’s solution of learning skills at the trade school.

The first major event was held in Saskatoon. It was called the “Lenten Project”, in which breads and soups were served. Tickets were sold at various prices and represented the items to be purchased for the children. The director of the Ukrainian orphanage was in attendance. She was overwhelmed especially by everyone’s generosity.

Alongside this, SHAW TV produced a 30-minute programme about the purpose and goals of NASHI, and about what was being done. This interview was aired for 3-4 years, and it provided media attention which drew people to the NASHI events. NASHI developed its own web-site. In September, 2005, NASHI presented an educational movie entitled “Lilya 4 Ever” at the Broadway theatre in Saskatoon. This marked the first year of the 2 undertakings. Brochures and pamphlets were developed. The ugly truth was being told.

2006

In 2006, Savelia Curniski and Betti Lawrence received the Governor General’s “People of Courage” medal from the then Governor General Michaëlle Jean. This medal was given in recognition for their founding work for NASHI. This was a momentous event, since it gave acknowledgement and credibility to the work that was being done.

During this year, committed volunteers, who purchased their own tickets, travelled to Ukraine to see the trade-school. While they were there, they participated in awareness workshops. The volunteers also went to a truck stop to see the reality of human trafficking with their own eyes. Commitment was the operative word. Resolve deepened. All agreed that they must do more to make a difference in the lives of the youth there.

This Volunteer Tour group’s commitment ultimately led to the development of a “stand-alone” NASHI trade school/safe house which came to be known as the Maple Leaf Centre. This indeed was a big year in the NASHI development. The first “Perogy Paradise” was held, and the first NASHI DVD, “NASHI : In Action”, was created. The constitution and by-laws of NASHI were passed at the Annual General Meeting. Victor Malarek had been kept informed of these activities, and he now actively supported all the NASHI undertakings by giving his full endorsement.

2007

There was a “People of Courage” luncheon in Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan in May, 2007. At this luncheon, the Governor-General of Canada, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Lynda Haverstock were photographed as they chatted with Savelia Curniski of NASHI, and the photo was published in the "Canadian Orthodox Messenger".

Savelia and the Governor General

Also in 2007, the first conference in Edmonton, Alberta, “Bells of Hope – Reality of Human Trafficking” took place with Victor Malarek as keynote speaker. This was a well-attended 2-day gathering with numerous guest speakers. Community awareness campaigns began at the “Doukhobor Dugout” and at “Ukrainian Day in the Park” (which still continues today) and the Ukrainian Canadian Professional Business (UCPB) golf tournament. All these were major fundraising efforts in order to facilitate the “Raising the Roof” campaign. The campaign's main aim was to construct an additional floor (storey), and to make all the other modifications required to make this Maple Leaf Centre a live-in, educational facility.

The year ended with the visit to Canada of the Archpriest Bohdan Bilas from Ukraine. He spoke at a fundraiser held at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon. He was NASHI’s personal link with the project, which was named “The Maple Leaf Centre Project – ‘Klenovi Lyst’”.

Savelia and Victor Malarek visit a Ukrainian orphanage, 2007

A building is purchased ; renovations begin, 2008

A report about the recent activities appeared in the Winter, 2008, issue of the "Canadian Orthodox Messenger".

In 2008, a building and property were purchased in Ukraine for the stand-alone safe-house and trade-school. This building is not in Lviv, but in a small village at a good distance from the city. Charitable status was registered in Ukraine under the name “Klenovi Lyst” (a.k.a. “Maple Leaf Centre Project”). NASHI was listed in the Saskatoon phone book ; board roles were defined ; lifetime memberships were introduced. NASHI was invited to make presentations at the Human Trafficking Seminar in Edmonton, Alberta, and to HART (Humanitarian Aid Response Team) in Calgary, Alberta.

In addition, within the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), a new branch was formed to deal with human trafficking concerns. Hearing of the work undertaken by NASHI, the RCMP reached out for assistance. Constable Elsen Sutherland, of the Immigration & Passport Section – Human Trafficking Division, was NASHI’s contact within the RCMP. He accepted the invitation to be the guest speaker at the Fall Harvest Brunch. It was at this time that it was decided to focus efforts on prevention, versus treatment as a result of being trafficked. NASHI made it to “YouTube” with its DVD “Raising the Roof”.

2009

In 2009, as a result of successful fundraising activities, the ground-breaking occurred at the Maple Leaf Centre Project. The second Volunteer Tour witnessed this event and the group actively participated in demolition activities, as well as the planting of a maple tree during the dedication service. Victor Malarek was speaker at the Fall Conference in Saskatoon.

2010

In 2010, the Malareks (Victor with daughter Larissa) were successful when OMNI, an International television production company, agreed to the production of a full-length documentary about NASHI.

Producing the documentary required travel to Ukraine. The film-crew also attended the NASHI fundraiser in Saskatoon “Perogy Paradise” interviewing volunteers and attendees. “One Perogy at a Time” is still being viewed worldwide (including Mexico and India) on the OMNI television station, and it has been released to other television networks as well. It can be viewed on YouTube. Additional fundraising events were held, and requests for speaking engagements increased.

Dedication of the Maple Leaf Centre, 2011

In 2011, NASHI became part of a national awareness campaign about Human Trafficking by being the Saskatchewan host for “Freedom Relay Canada”. NASHI continues to host this event as a way of providing education about human trafficking. In this year, the “Raise the Roof” campaign ended. The names of donors were embedded on wooden maple leaves displayed within the Maple Leaf Centre in Ukraine. The Volunteer Tour witnessed this dedication at the Maple Leaf Centre. A second fundraising campaign was launched : “We are Family”.

Maple Leaf Centre

2012

In 2012, NASHI hosted “Youth Unchained”. This forum about human trafficking, with guest speaker Craig Kielburger (founder of “Free the Children”), included an amazing attendance of 1,100 students from across the province of Saskatchewan, who attended this 2-day event. This sparked the attention of the young people in attendance. Victor Malarek was back in Saskatoon in November, as the guest speaker at “Hot Chilli, Hot Topic”.

It was also the year in which NASHI started promoting “Fair Trade” purchasing. Victims of human trafficking, who are primarily children, are used as slave-labour in the production of many items which are amongst the daily purchases of most Canadians, and which they also use daily.

2013

In 2013, Denise Heppner, a resident of Waldheim, Saskatchewan, took part in the “Freedom Climb 2013” to the Mount Everest base camp. Denise took the NASHI flag that she proudly displayed on her arrival at the base camp.

NASHI was invited by the FBI-NAA (“FBI National Academy Associates”) Foundation to participate in an international law enforcement summit, “Together Let’s Stop Traffick”. The objective is to develop a framework for, and the implementation of a borderless resource centre for the benefit of all nations.

At an October Saskatchewan Roughriders game, Savelia was recognised for demonstrating leadership with NASHI and making it to the final stage of the “Scotiabank ‘Game Changers’” competition. At the Maple Leaf Centre in Ukraine, the interior was finished ; the landscaping was completed, and the garage and power-house were constructed. It was now truly ready to make a difference in the lives of unfortunate girls.

NASHI 10-year milestone, 2014

In 2014, NASHI marked the first 10 years of its work of love.

In summary, it was said that “In these years we’ve done a lot together and the most important thing we have learned is our journey is just beginning”.

In 2014, NASHI hosted the “Ugly Truth Forum”. It brought together like-minded persons to hear the key-note speaker Timea Nagy (founder of “Walk With Me”) speak about what it was like to survive while being trafficked. Timea Nagy had been trafficked from Hungary to Canada. She enlightened her hearers about how victims are treated and manipulated. The other presenters (Member of Parliament (MP) Joy Smith, Constable Jay Keating, and Andrew Allsopp) reported their action plans and used their energy to convict us when necessary, to inspire and motivate us. and to encourage us, so that this tragedy can be addressed. We can do battle and we can make a difference in this overwhelming issue. Timea was asked, “How do you eat an elephant ? Her answer : “You take one bite at a time”.

Joy Smith

In 2014, the "Boxes of Love" event was hosted in Dauphin, Manitoba.

“Boxes of Love” have been supporting orphaned and abandoned youth in Ukraine for many years through educational and personal hygiene supplies. The group has also made equipment purchases to assist children with disabilities. Wanting to provide long-term concrete support for the youth in Ukraine, “Boxes of Love” connected with NASHI, after watching the “One Perogy at a Time” documentary.

From then, this movement worked together with NASHI. The Human Trafficking Forum held September in Dauphin, attended by over 150 participants, was the first public event held by Boxes of Love. NASHI's co-founder Savelia Curniski provided an overview of how the Maple Leaf Centre started and inspired the audience when she spoke of how the safe house is now a loving home to 4 young girls but will be a home for 20 girls. Victor Malarek, guest speaker, spoke passionately about human trafficking, specifically on what causes this travesty and what we as Canadians can do to stop it. His presentation that night has been described as "motivating", "educational", and "empowering". Everyone came to understand that even Dauphin, Manitoba, is not immune to this horrible phenomenon.

There was continued involvement with the FBI-NAA (National Academy Associates) Foundation, and both knowledge and experience were shared.

With the “bricks and mortar phase” completed at the Maple Leaf Centre, the girls began to arrive. For many of them, this was their first experience of a family environment in which they are being nourished emotionally and physically. “Perogy Paradise” served as the main fundraising event.

Nevertheless, the “We are Family” campaign and the monthly giving initiatives require regular involvement. NASHI celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala celebration, at which all the work that has been done and is being done to make the Maple Leaf Centre a reality was acknowledged. “This undertaking started as a dream and the dream continues : by saving lives, we change their world and ours”.

Savelia speaking at the Saskatoon Rotary Club

Victor Malarek of CTV's W5 attended 3 NASHI events, 2014

Dauphin and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, were all honoured to have Victor Malarek (of CTV's "W5" programme) as their guest speaker at NASHI events. Mr. Malarek’s investigative work into human trafficking is world class. He has travelled the world presenting his research to varied organisations and governments.

Victor Malarek

He remains very strongly passionate about making people aware of human trafficking, and he is intolerant of those who are creating and perpetuating the trafficking travesty throughout the world. Mr. Malarek has given generously of his time and is dedicated to NASHI’S work. His support of NASHI is best exemplified in his words :

 Everyone on this fragile planet has the capacity to reach out and touch the soul of someone less 
 fortunate.  If everyone did this what an amazing world it would be. NASHI and its devoted coterie 
 of volunteers and donors, has taken on a daunting task with a deep sense of vision and driving 
 spirit.  From Saskatoon, all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to Lviv, Ukraine, NASHI makes an 
 incredible difference in the lives of so many abandoned  orphans in Ukraine.  They are to be 
 commended for their work and their selfless dedication.

2017-2018

In 2017, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan awarded Savelia with the Nation Builder’s Award again for her humanitarian work in bringing this travesty of human trafficking to the attention of many Canadians. Savelia and Victor Malarek played integral roles in the production of NASHI’S second documentary : "ONE PEROGY AT A TIME: THE SEQUEL" which was launched and shown in various cities throughout Canada.

The main focus of NASHI in Canada is promoting local awareness and education about human trafficking, and the operation of an educational live-in centre in Ukraine for youth at risk of being trafficked.

Human trafficking is modern day slavery :

 1.  Against their will, children are pulled out of orphanages and sold. 
 2.  27 million men, women and children are held as slaves.  
 3.  It is the fastest-growing organised crime activity in the world today.  
 4.  Each year, 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade.
 5.  There are more slaves in the world today than ever before in history.
 6.  The average cost of a slave around the world is $90. 
 7.  An estimated 30,000 victims of sex trafficking die each year from abuse and torture.
 8.  The internet is fuelling the need for more trafficked children.
 9.  Canada is ranked (domestically and globally) as a destination of trafficked victims.
 
 NASHI is part of the solution.  
 
 We believe each of us can become a solution to this problem often by joining forces with 
 organisations that indeed are taking action.

NASHI is taking action. Founded in 2004 around a kitchen table, NASHI has become a group of dedicated volunteers, with no staff, but taking action against this tragedy. As a Canadian registered charity, NASHI works both locally and internationally. Within Canada, they speak about the brutal details and realities of trafficking. They hold conferences and seminars in order to make Canadians aware of the fact that this horrible and disgusting trampling of human dignity occurs not only in Ukraine, but also in Canada, whether or not we choose to see it.

In the face of the atrocity of human trafficking, there are simply 2 choices : Do something ; or do nothing. If we do something (even if it is simply prayer, which is always effective), we can help to save large numbers of young people from deprivation, dehumanisation, and likely an early and painful death. If we do nothing, we are tacitly approving what is happening.

The 2021 newsletter of NASHI included an open letter from one of the girls at the Maple Leaf House. She signs her name "Nastya" which is the pet-name or nickname form of Natalia :

 Hello everybody in Canada,
 How are you ? I hope you are well.  What do you do at home ? How do you spend your time ? Do you
 rest with  your family ? As for us, we are good and try to stay healthy.  Every day we go school. 
 After lessons, we come back home and have a dinner.  Then we do our homework.  After it we have 
 free time.  Usually, we watch TV, play games or read books to spend this time.  When it is warm 
 outdoors, we go for a walk.  Then we have a supper.  Also, we help to clean the home, wash and wipe 
 dishes, sweep the floor.  Then we are getting ready for bed.  We say goodnight to everybody and 
 only after it we go to the bed.
 But we miss you so much.  That’s why we want to write this letter to you.
 
 Thank you for your support, your love, kindness and everything you do for us.  Now we are happy, 
 because we have a great family, big warm house, nice clothes, the opportunity to go to Lviv for
 extra classes.  We have all we need, even more.  It’s all thanks you.  You always help us, share 
 your warm, love, kindness with us.  We feel your love even when you are in Canada and we are in 
 Ukraine.  And it’s important for us.  We always thank God, that we have you. 
 So, remember, we love you, because we are one family.
 With love, Nastya

An interview, current action, 2022

In December, 2022, Savelia Curniski gave an interview with Tara MacIsaac of "The Epoch Times" news about the history of NASHI and the present activities.

The interview follows :

Savelia Curniski has guided thousands of Canadian tourists through Ukraine, including many from
Saskatchewan who are of Ukrainian descent.

Curniski’s grandparents came to Canada from Ukraine in 1904, and she is among the more than 12 percent
of Saskatchewanians of Ukrainian descent.

She had great enthusiasm for connecting with her roots, and for helping others do so as well, when
she started giving tours in the 1990s. But in 2004, an encounter at a truck stop in Ukraine
changed her life and took her tours in a very different direction.

She saw a group of about half a dozen girls, aged 12 or 13, being loaded into the back of a semi-trailer.
She asked a local woman what was going on. 'Very bluntly, she says, Don’t you know?' Curniski
recalled.

Ukraine is a hub for human trafficking, and especially at risk are girls in the country’s
orphanages. 'The predators know that they’re really very vulnerable', Curniski told "The Epoch
Times", adding that they tell the girls they’re beautiful and can work as models in Turkey or Paris'.

The U.S. Department of State’s 2022 'Trafficking in Persons Report' says : 'The approximately 104,000
children institutionalised in state-run orphanages [in Ukraine] are at especially high risk of
trafficking. Officials of several state-run residential institutions and orphanages have allegedly
been complicit or willfully negligent in the sex and labor trafficking of girls and boys under
their care'.

The U.N.’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimated that 46,000 Ukrainians were
victims of human trafficking from 2019 to 2021, and more than 300,000 since 1991. About 30 percent
of Ukrainians IOM surveyed in 2021 said they were ready to accept an informal and risky job offer
in Ukraine, and 18 percent would accept one abroad.

Both the IOM and the U.S. Department of State say many more have become vulnerable amid the recent
war in Ukraine, due to increased poverty and massive displacement.

Taking Care of Others

'I’m a Prairie girl and had no idea of any of this happening, just like most Canadians', Curniski
said. She felt an urgent need to do something about it. But, she thought, 'What can I do about
it ? I’m one person from Saskatoon'.

Her faith motivated her. 'Why were we put on this earth if not to take care of others ?' she said.
'I don’t believe in Christianity just on Sunday mornings. [...] You’re a Christian when you walk
outside the door of the church. That, to me, is where the Christianity starts'.

She stopped guiding sightseeing tours to Ukraine and instead started organising volunteer tours.

Curniski has slowly grown an organisation called NASHI, a registered charity in Canada, operated
out of her home in Saskatoon. It has a base of about 25 volunteers in Canada who have stayed with
her through it all – almost 20 years now. 'Just about all of the volunteers who were with me from
the beginning are still with me, and that’s the measure of how dedicated they are', she said.

NASHI’s central effort has been the creation of a safe house in Ukraine called Maple Leaf House, as
homage to its Canadian roots. Maple leaf in Ukrainian is 'Klenovi Lyst'.

Maple Leaf House opened in Stoyanov, western Ukraine, in 2010 and has taken in girls as young as 5.
The younger they are, the more valuable they are to traffickers, Curniski said. The organisation
could only afford an old building, a former Soviet kindergarten, that was in bad shape. But after
years of volunteer work on renovations, it was ready to bring the girls in.

NASHI has committed to raising the girls up through their college years. Curniski said it’s
important to provide them with a real home – a long-term, loving home and solid education – rather than
just a brief stay after which they could become vulnerable again.

‘Being Groomed’

She told the story of one girl they brought in from an orphanage when she was 9. 'She was basically
in the orphanage being groomed for being trafficked', Curniski said. She had been sexually abused
there.

The orphanage claimed she was happy and healthy, and at a Grade 4 level academically. Yet she
could only count to 10. And she didn’t know how to handle a fork.

All they had at the orphanage were spoons, Curniski said, because they ate only soup and porridge.
The girl is now 16, and although she’s well-fed and cared for by NASHI, she hides food sometimes as
though there may not be more coming, Curniski said. 'It takes an immense amount of time for those
old, old habits'.

'These girls have been so traumatised in their young lives', she said.

Prevention

The 17 girls currently being cared for by NASHI have not been trafficked, and most have not
experienced sexual abuse as this girl did. The organisation focuses on prevention, on finding the
most vulnerable girls and taking them in before they can be trafficked.

'We take the poorest of the poor, or someone who is on the street', Curniski said.

One of the oldest girls under NASHI’s care is Nastya, 17. She came to the organisation about five
years ago. Her mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. Nastya had hardly attended school.
Within a few years at NASHI, she was admitted to college early, at the age of 15. And she was in
the top 5 percent on her college entrance exam.

Nastya is studying tourism and plans to expand into psychology. She hopes to study or work in
Canada one day.

NASHI puts the girls in a local school and also arranges tutors for them.

The orphanages do not send the children to local schools, Curniski said, but provide schooling
internally. The education is poor and the children are thus isolated, she said.

There’s a big difference between Maple Leaf House and an orphanage, the organisation’s website
says. 'Orphanages there care for an average of 150 children per facility. They usually share a
room with 20 other residents. All bathrooms are communal and meals are quite simple', it says.

'NASHI’s Maple Leaf House is a home. Girls share a room and bathroom with one other girl, usually
her sister. They attend school in the village and have school friends who are welcome to visit',
the website says. 'The House is operated as much as a regular home as possible. The girls have
simple chores and help each other with school work. They all consider themselves "Sisters".'

War

Maple Leaf House has looked different since war broke out in Ukraine in early 2022. The girls have
been evacuated to a small village in southern Poland, where the local community has stepped up to
help them, Curniski said.

Some staff remain at the house, and it has become a safe stopping point for people fleeing Ukraine.
People stay there for a few days at a time as they make their way to Hungary.

The girls and their local teachers in Poland have worked hard to make their education possible even
though they did not speak Polish when they arrived.

The older girls who are in college – Nastya and Ivanka, 18 – are attending their classes online.

Curniski reflected upon the almost-20-year journey, from having no idea where to start to being
able to provide stability for these girls even amid war.

'I’m sitting at my kitchen table right now, and that’s where it all basically happened', she said.
‘Thank You for Creating Change’.

Various girls helped by NASHI

 She holds an annual Perogy Paradise event in Saskatoon, which provides a portion of the funds for 
 NASHI.  Individual donors and some churches provide the rest of the funding.  She doesn’t accept 
 government funding, so as to remain independent, she said.
 
 Though churches help out, she said NASHI is not connected with any particular religion or political 
 group. 'We have very left-wing-thinking people, we have very right-wing-thinking people.  You have 
 to strip yourself of that at the door and focus on the girls', she said.

Youth and adults making perogies for sale to support the work of NASHI

 Several staff members in Ukraine are paid to take care of the girls and the house.  All NASHI
 members in Canada are volunteers.
 
 Curniski received a letter from a Canadian volunteer, Sydney Morin, at Christmas.  Morin is a 
 third-generation volunteer ; her family’s involvement started with her grandmother.  Morin was 
 recently in Europe with her husband, both doing academic work, and they visited the girls in 
 Poland.
 
 Curniski read part of the letter : 'We wanted to say thank you for everything you have done to 
 change the lives of these girls.  The opportunity to meet them this year has truly changed our 
 lives'.
 
 Morin said she was very career-oriented and didn’t plan to have children. 'That has changed since 
 meeting you and spending time with the girls', she wrote.  'Thank you for creating change in this 
 world so immense the ripples can change the lives of those around it'.
 
 Curniski said, 'That was the best Christmas gift I could have gotten'.
 
 She said she also used to be career-oriented before running the tour company, she owned a 
 restaurant and also used to work as a teacher.  But, she said, helping others is more fulfilling 
 than dedicating one’s life to a career alone.
 
 'You just feel so much better', she said.  'We’re helping the girls but they’re helping us just as 
 much'.

War, precautionary evacuation, 2022

With the beginning of open war in Eastern Ukraine in February, 2022, and very quickly thereafter the flight of multitudes of Ukrainians from the country, it was immediately obvious that the protection of the girls in the Maple Leaf Safe House was a priority. Their lives had already been filled with trauma. Therefore, within weeks, they were evacuated to a safe place in a village in southern Poland. There, they continued to pursue their studies (which included learning 2 other languages). The Maple Leaf House itself was used to help families in flight as they passed westwards towards Poland (where there were soon several million refugees).

The refuge in Poland

Twentieth anniversary, 2024

In early 2024, the 20th anniversary of NASHI began to be marked. On the web-site's newsletter, the emphasis was placed not on what Savelia and her colleagues have done, but rather on what all the contributors and helpers have done. The supporters of this long-term project were recognised as having contributed through various means, such as :

 – memorials in memory of loved ones  
 – wills and bequests  
 – anniversary-associated gifts  
 – birthday-associated gifts 
 – monthly donations  
 – repeated donations 
 – donations of time and activity
 
 'You were all motivated to give your gift to our mission and the girls who will 
 carry on your legacy forever'.

Because the girls had had to be evacuated from the dangers associated with war through the move from Ukraine into Poland, a vacation was proposed, organised, and accomplished through the "Sea Campaign". Because of the donations, the girls were enabled to be driven to a seaside resort camp in Croatia for several days. The experience was healing for them.

The girls at the camp, 2023

The newsletter gave reports regarding a major fundraiser in Bedford, Nova Scotia, and Teen Camp at Wakaw, Saskatchewan. As well, there were many photographs of important events during the past 2 decades.

In addition, the newsletter invited all to the pending anniversary gala in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 11-12 October, 2024.

Return of young Girls from Poland to the Maple Leaf House, 2025

In 2025, after having spent 3 years in Poland, the girls supported by NASHI returned to the Maple Leaf House in Western Ukraine. While they were in Poland, they had done well in their schooling. This included, besides other subjects and courses, gaining proficiency in the English, Polish languages, and their own Ukrainian language. Some learnt German.

By this time, 6 of the girls were engaged in post-secondary education in Lviv, and other girls were being added to the number of residents in the main home. All the girls seem to regard one another as sisters.