Professor Ray Taheri, an engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, is embarking on a heartwarming Christmas mission to Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. Trading the traditional Santa suit for a festive red jacket, he is not delivering presents in a single night but over a two-week period, sharing the spirit of Christmas with Ukrainian children amidst the ongoing conflict. His luggage, filled with 250 toys collected throughout the year with the help of his two young daughters, embodies a message of love, care, and shared humanity, especially poignant as the second anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches.
Taheri’s journey is more than just a toy delivery; it’s a continuation of his ongoing commitment to support Ukraine. Last year, he led a team that established five maker spaces, renovated educational facilities, and even rebuilt a church damaged by the war. This year’s Christmas trip serves as a tribute to his late friend, Peter Nicu, and a testament to Taheri’s belief in the power of engineering to contribute to solutions, rather than exacerbate problems. He sees this initiative as part of his duty as an engineer, demonstrating the compassionate side of a profession often associated with technical expertise.
The gifts themselves are imbued with special meaning. In addition to the toys, Taheri will be distributing unique, handcrafted dragons, created by his students using 3D printers. These dragons, bearing the colours of the Ukrainian flag, are intended as symbols of hope and resilience. Rather than distributing them to individual children, Taheri plans to give them to schools, encouraging students to find solace and strength in these tokens of support whenever they feel overwhelmed by the hardships of war. These dragons symbolize not only the creativity and technological skills of his students, but also the outpouring of love and solidarity from the UBC Okanagan community.
This Christmas mission reflects Taheri’s profound commitment to Ukraine and its people. He recognizes the profound impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly on the children, and aims to bring a glimmer of joy and hope during a challenging time. His efforts extend beyond gift-giving; he is also actively fundraising to provide further assistance to families struggling to navigate life under the constant threat of war. This financial support aims to address the practical needs of these families, offering a lifeline in the face of adversity.
The timing of Taheri’s trip is significant, coinciding with the Eastern Orthodox Christmas celebrations on January 7th. He will arrive in Ukraine on Christmas Eve, allowing him to participate in the festive traditions and share the spirit of the season with the communities he visits. This timing underscores his sensitivity to the cultural context and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the holiday celebrations. This journey signifies not just the delivery of material gifts, but also the delivery of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of a global community.
Through his actions, Taheri embodies the true spirit of Christmas, extending far beyond the traditional imagery of Santa Claus. He demonstrates the power of individual action to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly during times of crisis. His dedication to Ukraine, his commitment to empowering communities through education and technology, and his heartfelt desire to bring joy to children affected by war, highlight the potential for human kindness and compassion to shine even in the darkest of circumstances. His red jacket, while not a Santa suit, symbolizes the spirit of giving and the enduring power of hope.
