“It’s a really nice opportunity for Ukrainians to meet other people from Canada, to maybe find new friends, maybe even sell their things too,” said Ilona Brotynyak, vendor, “show what they do so people can know more about them, to see what crafts they make.”
Brotynyak did beadwork and painting as hobbies overseas. She continued the crafts when she moved to Canada as a way to relax. “Mostly it was nights, you know, to calm down. So I wasn’t thinking even to sell it. Just doing something.” She makes all sorts of things including blue and yellow bracelets and keychains in support of Ukraine.
Another vendor and organizer, Yullia Okhrimenko, is a florist. She spent a great deal of time preparing wreaths for the market.“I feel good in myself, in my soul when I make something with the flowers.”