Kira and her mom need your help now!

Hi all, it all started with Kira, a bicycle and a story that touched my heart!

Recently, I heard about Kira and her mom arriving in Red Deer. There are many people fleeing the Ukrainian war now, but this story touched my heart differently.

Kira just turned five last March, but life took her through more than many of us go in a lifetime. Over a year ago, she was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) and was undergoing treatment in Kharkiv when the war started in Ukraine. Due to bombings by Russian aggressors, the treatments could not continue, and they had to flee Ukraine. After spending some time as refugees in Poland and then Italy, they were able to arrive in Canada under the new Canadian program for Ukrainians. Unlike typical refugee programs, this one does not provide them with all the government support that you'd expect for someone fleeing war.

Long story short, they have settled in Red Deer as of last Thursday. I heard about their story and wanted to do something for the little girl. After learning that her dream was to get her first-ever bicycle, my daughter and I were able to find an excellent bike for her and delivered it on Easter Sunday ( see video but be warned that your heart will melt ). That's when I learned about their other needs. Basically, everything that's needed to start a life in a new country when you arrive with a little suitcase while fleeing a war!

My initial reaction was to find some used furniture on Kijiji or FB groups, but Kira's illness resulted in a compromised immune system so they have to be careful about accepting used items that might transfer any bacteria or viruses.

This is a fundraiser to assist them in getting furniture for their little apartment and buying all the necessities needed to start new life in Red Deer! Any funds leftover that are no longer needed by this family will be transferred to Central Alberta Ukrainian Association to assist with settling other Ukrainian families settling in our area.

I reached out to friends to see who could help, and Tracy and Todd at F45 South Red Deer graciously decided to make this fundraiser their cause for Hero's Hollywood workout! Hero's Hollywood is an F45 workout where our local community comes together to support a local charity or need. They are joining in to help this family by raising cash donations in the studio or through this GoFundMe!

The timeline is tight as they are already here and need things now! I'm also in contact with local furniture stores to see any types of discounts to help our dollars go further. In case you have the opportunity to donate new household items or offer discounts through your business - please reach out to me directly!