Ron Anaka who owns and operates the Canadian Tire in Bridgewater recently decided he could not sit idly by as he watched citizens of his ancestral homeland of Ukraine are attacked and displaced.
“What I see on TV reminds me of what my great-grandfather came here to escape, the difference is this time I’m in a position to help, we are in a position to help,” Anaka said.
Anaka’s Canadian Tire franchise is now accepting donations for the Canadian Red Cross who are supporting the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and he will match donations up to $10,000.
“I’ve already been overwhelmed by the support we’ve seen whether it be donations or people expressing their support for the Ukrainian people.”
Since starting the fundraiser last Friday they have already raised $2,500.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at checkout when visiting the Bridgewater Canadian Tire.
When setting up the project Anaka wanted to be sure that the funds will go where they are needed most and he has every confidence the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal will do that. “The proceeds won’t just go towards buying food and water and the things people are in urgent need of now but it will also go towards helping those people displaced by the invasion as they seek safety and more long-term efforts.”
Throughout the conflict, Anaka says he’s been watching lots of news coverage on the invasion and despite losing most of his Ukrainian language skills he says it still brings him pride every time he overhears the phrase “Slava Ukraini” which he says means “Glory to Ukraine”.
The conflict has also enhanced Anaka’s Ukrainian pride as he says prior to the invasion he never corrected people who mispronounced his last name but now in light of the conflict he is eager to ensure everyone knows he is a proud Ukrainian with the name Anaka and “It’s pronounced Ahh-Naa-KA.”.
