Oleksandr Kyyanytsya was born near Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1990. He now lives in Montreal, Canada, where his journey has become a powerful example of resilience, courage, and purpose.
Olek has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. The condition affects his movement, balance, coordination, and speech, making everyday life physically demanding. But it does not affect his mind, his spirit, or his determination.
When Olek was 10 years old, he underwent major surgery on his legs in Kyiv. Years later, after moving to Canada with his family at the age of 15, he returned to Ukraine for another major surgery at 17. What followed was a long and difficult rehabilitation. Through extraordinary perseverance, Olek was able to stand on his own feet and walk again.
For Olek, walking has never been simple. Every step requires effort. Every distance asks something of him. But it is this very challenge that has become the heart of his mission.
When the war in Ukraine began, Olek started asking himself how he could help the country he still deeply loves. His answer was both simple and extraordinary: he would walk.
What began as one man’s desire to help has grown into Gift of Walking, a community-powered movement that turns Olek’s difficult steps into medical support for people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Since 2022, Olek has completed long-distance fundraising walks across Canada, supported by volunteers, donors, hosts, Ukrainian organizations, and generous communities who believe in his mission.
Gift of Walking is about more than distance. It is about transforming personal challenge into purpose. It is about showing what can happen when courage is met with compassion.
Every walk tells part of that story.
Olek’s journey is still moving forward.
Olek is now exploring British Columbia as the possible location for his next Gift of Walking route.
Potential routes may include Vancouver to Whistler, Vancouver to Abbotsford, or Victoria to Nanaimo. Each route offers a new opportunity to bring communities together in support of medical aid for Ukraine.
Every walk continues the mission that began with one simple question: “How can I help?”
Follow along as Olek prepares for his next walks, connects with communities across Canada, and continues turning every difficult step into hope for Ukraine.
Sign up to receive updates on upcoming walks, fundraising progress, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the mission.
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