Sustaining the Spirit of Ukraine
Russell, MB – One year ago, Russian tanks rolled across the border of Ukraine marking a major escalation in a conflict that began in 2014. Heavy fighting has destroyed homes, farms, schools, hospitals, and power grids leaving more than eight million people with little choice but to flee their country. This is the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
Sutton REALTORS® have been among the many generous Canadians who have donated to the cause, and some have even opened their homes to provide shelter to refugees. Angie Esplen fundraises as she celebrates and sustains Ukrainian culture.
Angie lives in Russell, Manitoba, a small town of less than two thousand people, which has remarkably welcomed 25 Ukrainian families. To help the newcomers adjust to life on the Canadian prairies, Angie and her neighbours have donated furniture, clothing, food, and gift cards to the families.
The ties to Ukraine run deep in Manitoba and Angie speaks to her relatives in Ukraine as often as possible letting them know they are in her thoughts and prayers. She also fundraises and celebrates their culture by performing traditional Ukrainian dances.
In 2022, she performed at the 100th anniversary of Inglis, which is close to her childhood farmstead, as well as the Dauphin’s National Ukrainian Festival. “It’s an honour to keep heritage and customs alive,” Angie says. “The dancing and costumes are just amazing to see. Dauphin’s festival runs all weekend long and the campers start arriving on Thursday to setup their campsites and get ready for the music and dancers.”
From April 28–30 of this year, Angie and her dance troop will head to Yorkton, Saskatchewan for a Ukrainian dance competition. “Seven women in our group have danced together for close to 20 years. This time, my great-niece will also compete—she is only eleven. The circle of life and traditions carry on through the generations.”
Angie adds, “To us, war is not something that we can even imagine and never want to experience in our lifetime. I hope this war ends soon. I hope to visit Ukraine again to see my family. The country is unique with its beauty and the people are amazing. The culture with its rich traditions is something you will never forget. Slava Ukraine!”
To connect with Angie, visit: www.suttonharrison.com/agent/angie-esplen.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 6,500 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
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Sutton - Harrison Realty:
Angie Esplen
204–773–6276
aesplen@sutton.com
Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd.:
Maria Castro
604-691-1689
stories@suttonspirit.com