Ray Taheri, a professor at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, is eschewing a traditional Santa suit in favor of a red jacket as he prepares to deliver toys to children in Ukraine in time for Christmas. Ukrainians celebrate Eastern Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7, so Taheri plans to land in Ukraine on Christmas Eve before making his way to Moldova and Romania to distribute the 250 gifts he has collected over the past year. He believes that the spirit of Christmas is about loving, caring, sharing, and feeling close to one’s fellow human beings, even if they have never met.
In addition to the gifts, Taheri’s students have used 3D printers to create dragon figurines in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which he plans to give to schools in Ukraine. The dragons are meant to serve as a reminder that someone cares about them and was thinking of them with love. Taheri’s goal is to bring joy to the children and show them that people from around the world care about them, even in difficult times. He will be taking two weeks to deliver the toys, as he cannot match the speed of Saint Nick.
Taheri’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine are part of his broader commitment to helping others. He has previously been involved in building maker spaces and supporting educational initiatives in the region, honoring the memory of his late friend, Peter Nicu. As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Taheri felt compelled to take action and support the communities affected by the conflict. He believes that it is the duty of engineers to be part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem.
In addition to delivering toys, Taheri is also fundraising to provide support to families in Ukraine who are facing ongoing challenges as a result of the conflict. He is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need and is using his resources and connections to offer assistance. Taheri’s mission to bring joy and hope to the children of Ukraine demonstrates his commitment to humanitarian causes and his belief in the power of compassion and solidarity. By spreading love and kindness, he hopes to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
