AN APPEAL FOR INVOLVEMENT: Ukrainians in Bosnia suffering (02/07/93)

AN APPEAL FOR INVOLVEMENT

Ukrainians in Bosnia suffering

by Oksana Kowalchuk
Ukrainian Information Bureau

OTTAWA - A human disaster of genocidal proportions plagues the former Yugoslavia. The Ukrainian community in Bosnia is not immune to the atrocities that have taken place.

According to the Rev. Petro Ovad, a Ukrainian priest in Prnjavor, Bosnia, the situation is worsening. Many in the Ukrainian community are being psychologically tormented by the horrors of war. People fear for their lives, and the activities around them serve as a constant reminder that they may not live to see tomorrow.

Facing the winter months places an additional strain on those trapped in Bosnia. The Rev. Ovad is desperately seeking assistance in order that Ukrainian families have enough funds to survive the coming months.

The Ukrainian community in Ottawa set up a Bosnia relief fund approximately nine months ago, and has successfully sent $1,800 to Prnjavor. It is estimated that a minimum of $50,000 is required to ensure that the minimum amount of food for the survival of the Ukrainian communities in Bosnia is obtained.

According to the Rev. Ovad, $1,000 purchases approximately enough food for a group of 50 families for one week.

In Ottawa, the Ukrainians in Bosnia Relief Fund was initiated by Richard Kolacz, a Navy lieutenant who went to Bosnia as part of Canada's involvement with the European Community monitoring mission.

Through the leadership of Dr. Ivan Woychyshyn, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, Ottawa Branch, the fund is continuing to actively raise funds. Nevertheless, greater assistance is necessary in order for a substantial relief effort to be undertaken.

The situation in Bosnia is critical and time is of the essence. Only with your generous assistance and cooperation can we make a positive impact for those in desperate need.

All donations are tax-deductible and may be sent to: Ukrainians in Bosnia Relief Fund, Ukrainian Canadian Social Services-Ottawa, c/o St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church, 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3K7.

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