Anna Vartanyan was happy to place a gift under the Christmas tree that will eventually reach a Ukrainian child at a special event Tuesday night.

“Every child wants to get a gift, especially at Christmas,” said Vartanyan, who fled war in Ukraine with her family. “It is a very magical day for all the children.

It’s a full circle moment for the mother of three who received these gifts herself in 2022 after fleeing her home in war-torn Ukraine.

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Now living in Kelowna, she remembers well what it was like to receive gifts for her children.

“She is very supportive, helpful and absolutely wonderful,” she told Global News.

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The gifts piled up under the tree were intended for a toy campaign launched by a grassroots organization calling itself “Hearts and Hands for Ukraine” three years ago.

“The war started in Ukraine and we thought they have no family, they have no one here, so why don’t we become their family,” said Mohini Singh, one of the organisation’s founders.

The pre-Christmas event at a private home attracted nearly 150 people hoping to brighten the holiday for new arrivals, many of whom still have family members in Ukraine where the war continues.

“All you have to do is listen to the news and see what’s happening in Ukraine and the people who come here are running away and a lot of them are coming with very little,” said Gary Campbell, who attended the event and has since donated toys. Its beginning.

“And you know this is Canada. We love supporting people.”

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This year, the toy drive will support nearly 200 Ukrainian children in the Central Okanagan.

“This Christmas tree is full of gifts,” Singh said. “It really represents the spirit of Kelowna, and the kindness and generosity of the people in this city.”

Vartanian said she will never forget the warm reception her family received after arriving in Kelowna.

“It’s very welcoming because when you come to a new country you don’t know people and you see a group of people who are very supportive and want to help,” Vartanian said.

Support is crucial in times of crisis – especially at Christmas time when many people’s emotions run high.

Those who missed the event but still want to donate a toy can do so at the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish at 1935 Parley Road in Kelowna.