Buy a backpack to support a Magical Christmas Mission for Ukrainian war refugee children
![oscar Oscar Oliver is collecting backpacks for Ukrainian war refugee children. Nov. 16, 2022 (PHOTO: SUBMITTED)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/11/16/oscar-1-6155630-1668621350838.png)
Oscar Oliver has seen firsthand what a refugee centre for Ukrainian children looks like.
This fall, the 13-year-old Warnica Elementary School student has been on a Magical Christmas Mission to collect backpacks for Ukrainian war refugee children living in Poland.
On his first mission, he donated 790 backpacks and another 600 will arrive by sea, courtesy of Indigo.
"It's going very well – we've already raised 1,390 backpacks. Since we just put out the release less than a week ago, we got 50 more, so we're at 1,440 now," Oliver said.
Related Stories:
Barrie Skating Champion is off to Poland to help Ukrainian refugee kids
Young Barrie Boy in Poland giving back to Ukrainian refugees
Oliver is returning to Poland in December and hopes to bring another 582 to round off this year's total giving to 2022.
The backpacks are stuffed with school and educational items, toys, games, personal supplies, candy & LEGO.
What keeps him going are the smiles and hugs he remembers from his visits to the centre.
"When I went to Poland, we went to a refugee centre. It was a supportive place for them, but it upset me to see how much they need," he said. "When they heard I was coming – many rushed out the door to help me carry the backpacks, and all the mothers were hugging me. It was really an emotional experience for me."
Oliver is an Ontario Figure Skating champion who trains at the Mariposa School of Skating. He is a dual Canadian/Polish citizen and was recently the guest of honour at the Canadian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, in recognition of his charitable activities
Oliver's parents are recipients of the Canadian Governor General's Medallion for their charity work. Together, they have established the children's charity, Fundacja Dziecięca Fantazja, based in Poland.
Readers aDonate $50 to buy a backpack for Ukrainian war refugee children in Poland this Christmas.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6950170.1720036657!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
DEVELOPING Canada issues travel warning as Hurricane Beryl tears through southeast Caribbean
As Hurricane Beryl rips toward the southeast Caribbean, Global Affairs Canada is warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to Jamaica as well as several countries in the region.
Canadian feels 'abandoned' in Mexico after WestJet strike
More than 1,100 WestJet flights and counting have been cancelled since last Thursday, when a strike by the airlines mechanics union grounded travel plans for more than 100,000 customers.
Trudeau won't commit to national caucus meeting, says he's having calls with MPs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he's been taking calls from different members of his Liberal caucus following the party's historic byelection loss in a downtown Toronto riding last week, but his focus remains on governing.
Nearly four out of 10 Ontarians considering leaving due to cost of housing: survey
Nearly four out of 10 Ontarians say that they are considering leaving the province due to the high cost of housing, a new survey has found.
1 dead, 2 injured after helicopter crash near B.C.-Alberta border
One person was killed and two others were injured in a helicopter crash near the B.C.-Alberta border on Tuesday evening, according to the RCMP.
Hurricane Beryl roars toward Jamaica after killing at least 6 people in the southeast Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl was roaring toward Jamaica on Wednesday, with islanders scrambling to make preparations after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean.
Popular weight loss and diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of rare form of blindness
People who take Ozempic or Wegovy may have a higher risk of developing a rare form of blindness, a new study suggests. Still, doctors say it shouldn’t deter patients from using the medicines to treat diabetes or obesity.
Delta flight diverts to New York after passengers are served spoiled food
A Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted to New York's Kennedy Airport on Wednesday after passengers were served spoiled food, airline officials said.
The son of Asia's richest man is getting married in one of India's most anticipated — and lavish — weddings of the year
Billionaire heir Anant Ambani is set to marry his longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant later this month, in a lavish ceremony widely described as the country's wedding of the year.