WHAT IS NASHI
NASHI is an entirely volunteer non-profit organization who is addressing the issue of human trafficking locally and globally. We are a Canadian Registered Charity (#853912194RR0001). NASHI has 2 primary goals. The first is to educate people about human trafficking by providing forums and workshops nationally and internationally. The second goal was the building of a safehouse for at risk young girls in Ukraine. The Maple Leaf House is a live-in facility that provides shelter, food and a home environment for up to 20 girls. Our commitment is to educate these girls until they can become productive members of their society.
NASHI’S MOTTO IS: DO SOMETHING
Our Work
NASHI continues to be completely volunteer based, with no salaried employees or directors. All the work is done by a small non-salaried Board plus a core of members and volunteers. As the Maple Leaf House grows to it's capacity of 20 girls, we continue fundraising to cover the operating and maintenance costs, as well as to provide post-secondary education for the girls. Just like our own children, these girls are our responsibility until they are employed and able to care for themselves. We have girls ranging from 5 to 16 years old, so some will be our responsibility for more than 15 years. The annual Perogy Paradise will continue to act as our main fund raising event, with 40% of the proceeds covering our operating expenses. The remaining 60% of proceeds and 100% of all donations continue to be directed to our projects. Sustainability via monthly giving initiatives need your involvement.
"Everyone on this fragile planet has the capacity to reach out and touch the soul of someone less fortunate. If everyone did this, what an amazing world it would be. NASHI, and its devoted coterie of volunteers, have taken on a daunting task with a deep sense of mission and driving spirit. From Saskatoon, all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to Lviv, Ukraine, NASHI makes an incredible difference in the lives of so many abandoned orphans in Ukraine. They are to be commended for their work and their selfless dedication."
Victor Malarek - Journalist and Author
Maple Leaf House
The original Maple Leaf House building was an abandoned kindergarten that had been vacant for many years. A local general contractor was hired along with skilled local workers. Overgrowth and excess trees were cleared and interior demolition began. This was a long process which involved taking the structure down to bare brick and completely rebuilding the plumbing and wiring for the building. New flooring had to be poured and some interior structure replaced. The facility has dual heat sources with a boiler system that can utilize either natural gas or wood.
A Little Help From Canada
Several volunteer trips went to the project to provide labour. Here, some volunteers are removing old plaster and tile from the core interior brick walls. In order to build the rooms required, we raised the flat roof to create a 3rd floor with dormers. A local brick factory was re-opened to provide materials.
The Finished Home
Construction took several years and progressed as funding through donations and NASHI events became available. The result is a 13,000 square foot home with kitchen and dining areas, offices, laundry facilities, classrooms, common areas for socializing and play, bedrooms for 20 girls and 5 full bathrooms. There are two walls in the dining area decorated with maple leaf plaques showcasing the names of those who contributed to that initial construction and supported NASHI throughout.