Dear Friends,
In darkness, we turn towards the light. The outpouring of compassion and advocacy from Canadians standing in solidarity with Ukraine sends a powerful message – your generosity and kindness uplift the spirits of Ukrainians in their time of need. Though many good deeds go unseen, I appreciate those who share how they support Ukraine so that their example may inspire others to take action.
Every donation, voice raised, LEGO made or child welcomed is a candle piercing the gloom. Your efforts reinforce that the struggles of the oppressed connect us all. I am in awe of each of my student who keep inspiring me everyday to share my knowledge. They show me how they stand for justice – how they use their knowledge and privilege to fight oppression at all levels. Helping vulnerable groups locally means more resources to assist those abroad. Fighting injustice anywhere strengthens justice everywhere.
For two years I have tried to collect stories of resilience on what it means to stand with Ukraine, and inspire others to build a more just world. I applaud Canadians defending democracy and nations fighting authoritarianism. Social work students finding ways to empower disadvantaged communities are building a more equitable world for tomorrow.
There will be hardship ahead but candles of hope grow brighter, uplifted by your compassion. Small acts of justice and mercy matter when people suffer. By standing together in solidarity, we send the message that oppression can never extinguish the light of human decency. I will continue sharing stories of resilience and ways we can stand with Ukraine in their heroic struggle.
We can show support by donating aid; advocating for refugees and aid; volunteering to resettle refugees; helping disadvantaged groups locally; speaking against injustice globally; supporting pro-democracy movements; and fighting inequality at home. All actions matter. Do what you can where you are. Share your privilege to fight the oppression that motivates you.
Building a just Canada allows us to extend support globally. Small acts of kindness and justice multiply to bring light. Supporting justice and rights for all bolsters solidarity. Helping struggling nations shows they are not alone. Sharing privilege to fight oppression everywhere is critical. Every act of compassion counts towards standing with Ukraine.
I also want to emphasize the importance of invisible acts of solidarity and quiet support. Being a comforting presence for the oppressed, hearing their stories, and providing relief from suffering are powerful acts of human decency, even if they go unseen. By coming together in vulnerability and compassion, we send the message that violence and authoritarianism cannot extinguish our spirits.
I am grateful to all lighting the way with care and hope – sheltering refugees, grieving loss, keeping Ukrainian light burning. Your empathy and resilience persist in the face of violence. My heartfelt gratitude for lighting the way and reminding families that their sacrifice creates hope for a peaceful future. Thank you to all the compassionate individuals across Canada and globally, who through their acts of humanity and moral courage represent the very best in all of us as fellow human beings.
PS: Thank you, Natika, for the picture and for sharing your candle bookmark that inspired me to write this post. Thank you Jane and Hills of Peace community for allowing us a space to gather and share teachings of the candle and re-build hope!