'I knew he was the right candidate for it': Baba's Closet gives unique donation to 16-year-old Ukrainian refugee
Donations for Ukrainians have been pouring into a shop in Saskatoon offering free basics to those who have fled the Russian invasion, but one special donation struck a chord, prompting a search for the perfect recipient.
Sixteen-year-old Mykhailo Osadtsiv fled the war in Ukraine five months ago, leaving with only the essentials.
He was a student at a music school in his home country and is proficient in three instruments, one of those similar to the accordion. When he heard there was an accordion up for grabs at the store for displaced Ukrainians, he jumped at it.
“I found out on Facebook and I was so satisfied because I was searching for it for a long time. I wanted to buy one. I’m so grateful to Baba’s closet,” Osadtsiv told CTV News.
Baba’s closet is run by Nettie Cherniatenski who received the accordion donation and immediately started the hunt for the perfect recipient. She got dozens of inquiries, but Osadtsiv stood out.
“When he came in for the accordion I said, 'In order for you to take the accordion home I need to know you know how to play accordion',” Cherniatenski says.
Cherniatenski said she’s not a musician at all, so gathered an audience to help.
“He sat down and strummed at the keys there and I called all my volunteers from the back warehouse. They got their phones out and took photos and video,” she said.
She knew after the first few chords this accordion was going to Osadtsiv and admits it was emotional with many of those in the room holding back tears.
The decision to give it to the teenager was solidified not only because of his musical ability, but something else too.
“A young chap at the age of 16 to stand up and come to me and give me a big hug. I knew he was the right candidate for it.”
The store has also had donations of a drum set that she’s given away as well as a guitar that went to a 6-year-old boy. She said she has learned quickly how artistically talented many of the newcomers are.
Osadtsiv said the instrument that he played in Ukraine was called a bayan and has slightly different keys than the accordion, but after practicing about three times a week, he’s learned to adapt. With all that has happened to him this year, adapting is key.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.