Exercises at the Health Centre for Social and Psychological Assistance "Warmth of the Winged Soul"
Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau Chief
A traveling art exhibition and auction that brings together the voices of Ukrainian artists who have been displaced by war and resettled in Canada, is raising funds for a rehabilitation centre in Ukraine.
Entitled Sunflowers of Hope, the exhibition serves as a powerful artistic response to the trauma of war, with a particular focus on mental health and emotional recovery.
“As headlines fade, the real stories – of grief, exile, survival, and hope – must not be forgotten. Through art, we aim to humanize the survivors of full-scale invasion, share lived experiences, and help build awareness and solidarity across communities in Canada and beyond.
“At its core, Sunflowers of Hope is about giving Ukrainian artists a platform to share their truths, connect with audiences, and help others heal. Through a united artistic voice, we shine light on what it means to endure – and to rebuild.
Eleven artists have contributed works for this project, which has been organized by the Firefighter Aid Ukraine’s (FFAU) Committee for the Unbreakable Ukraine Project.
Unbreakable Ukraine is an artistic initiative created by FFAU board member Anatoli Morgotch to raise awareness and funding for Ukraine through a series of exhibitions. Sunflowers of Hope is the second installment, following the first photo exhibition, The Way of War.
“To Bravery and Hope” – portrait of Anna-Maria. One of the items for sale on the auction
During a presentation at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Edmonton, October 26, Committee Member Choi Hawkins explained that the funding will primarily help support the Оздоровчий центр соціально психологічної допомоги “Тепло крилатої душі” (Health Centre for Social and Psychological Assistance “Warmth of the Winged Soul”) just outside of Kolomyia. Ivano-Frankivsk Region.
Choi Hawkins with two of the items on exhibit at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Edmonton, October 26
The centre provides crucial support for those who have served on the frontlines, helping them heal both physically and mentally after the traumas of war.
It offers both psychological assistance (including psychodiagnostics, consultation with a psychiatrist, consultation with a psychologist, art therapy and psychotherapy) and physical rehabilitation services (Consultations with a traumatologist and rehabilitator, physiotherapy procedures, massage with the development of injured areas of the body, biosuggestive therapy, wellness massage and apitherapy).
Prior to the presentation and exhibit at St. Nicholas, an exhibit was held So far, Sunflowers of Hope has been showcased at MacEwan University Library in Edmonton. Future exhibits are planned at the; Calgary Justice Film Festival at The Confluence – November 7–8, 2025 and the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex in Edmonton – November 9–15, 2025.
Firefighter Aid Ukraine is an Alberta based society whose mission is to provide much needed firefighting and medical equipment, gear, supplies, and training to first responders in Ukraine.
Established in 2014, FFAU has spent a decade working with the State Emergency Services and volunteer brigades in Ukraine, building strong relationships in Kyiv, Lviv, Uzhhorod, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Cherkasy, Mykolayiv, and Nikopol, and to date has delivered almost 450 tonnes of life rescue and health care aid.
If you wish to bid on one of the artworks in the auction, please go to: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132321/auctions/187681?t=no_bids. The auction is open until December 31, 2025. If you wish to donate or volunteer, please go to: unbreakableukraine.ca. If you want more information about FFAU, please go to: Firefighteraidukraine.com
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