Oksanna Ivanova

Hi, my name is Claire Claydon. I am a teacher in Scoil Cholmcille, Drumman. Last week we received the awful news that one of our beloved Ukrainian pupils Anastasia lost her mum Oksanna in a tragic accident in Letterkenny. Oksanna and her only child Anastasia, fled the war 3 years ago and sought refuge here in Ireland. Oksanna arrived with a fighing spirit determined to give her daughter a better life. She was desperate to work and contribute to Irish life. Oksanna embedded herself in our culture whilst being a leading figure in the community for helping her fellow Ukrainians settle in and establish themselves in Donegal. She was a strong pioneering force with a great sense of humour. Oksanna endured great personal loss at the recent death of her only sibling on the front line in Ukraine.

We live in a time where war, death and injustice has become daily clickbait. It can feel overwhelming as we ponder how we can help. Now we can!

Anastasia faces a very uncertain future. Her father, who is fighting in the war, has arrived in Donegal to take her home. We will miss her presence in school very much and she will undoubtedly feel the wrench of leaving her school friends and the

community. We can't take away the heartache of her losing her mother but we can try and ease their financial burden and help give Anastasia a foothold for her future education amd endeavours.

Please consider donating to this cause in memory of the formidable Oksanna and her beautiful daughter Anastasia.

Thank You