Charitable organization focuses on needs of orphans in Odesa (12/25/05)

Charitable organization focuses on needs of orphans in Odesa

by Bozhena Olshaniwsky

NEW MILFORD, N.J. - A "Breakfast for Love and Caring" was held on Sunday, November 6, here at the Elks Club. The brunch was organized by Maryanne Olsen, founder and director of the Cross Cultural International Institute - New Hope for Children and the Elks.

The program lasted from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and was very well attended. People came, ate and stayed to witness a vocal performance by two sisters, Nadia and Natalka Pawlyshyn. The mistress of ceremonies was Dr. Marta Kokolska, who explained the purpose of the event, as well as geographical and historical facts about Ukraine, the dire status of children in Ukrainian orphanages and the meaning of the songs performed by the two young girls.

The main focus of the program was on fund-raising for the orphanages in Odesa. It was the best possible way to spend a Sunday morning - good food, good company and lovely music sung by a very talented duo, and all for a good cause.

Ms. Olsen explained to the audience how she was teaching a humanistic method of treating children with psychological problems in Moscow (in 1998) and Odesa (in 1999) by using the arts - music, dance and drama. She told of how there is a great need in Ukraine's orphanages for basic supplies and equipment. Among the items lacking are beds, mattresses, bed linens, medications, etc. As a result, she established an organization called Cross Cultural International Institute - New Hope for Children. She is both the founder and director of this group, and believes that all people in the world are connected and should help each other.

She managed to send several large transports of beds, cribs, mattresses, medical equipment, toys and medications to Odesa's orphanages during the past five years. She also collects money to pay for the transport of these items. There is a number of people and children who already volunteer and help with the work, and she is currently reaching out to Ukrainians for help.

On display during the fund-raising event were posters with photographs of orphans holding the toys they had received. The American children who wrapped the toys for the orphans recognized their gifts and felt connected to their young counterparts, which made them more enthusiastic about continuing to help.

Musical interludes were provided by Nadia, 13, and Natalka, 11, who were dressed in beautifully embroidered stylized costumes made in Ukraine. They emigrated to the U.S. from Sambir, Ukraine, five years ago, and have already performed more than 150 concerts.

Their parents, Ihor and Vira, work very diligently with them by providing lessons and ample support. The sisters inherited a love for music from their grandparents in Ukraine and have made two CDs of their songs in the U.S. The audience received them with applause.

In addition to proceeds from the general admission, chances were sold for prizes and donations were given by businesses, all of which worked without remuneration. The event was a great financial success.

Ms. Olsen is appealing to people of good will to donate and help the cause. Donations can be sent to: CCII: New Hope for Children, Maryanne Olsen, 740 Plympton St., New Milford, NJ 07644. Ms. Olsen may also be reached by phone at (201) 262-6544 or fax at (201) 262-7579.

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