Gabrielle and Borys Holowacz Fund “Children First”

Amount:  $ 210,000
Donors:  Gabrielle and Borys Holowacz

Designation: The Gabrielle and Borys Holowacz Fund “Children First” strengthens and supports the lives of Ukraine’s orphans residing at the children’s orphanage in Ternopil, Ukraine. The Fund invests in them through programs, facilities, and environment to succeed and contribute to Ukraine’s civil society. Gabrielle and Borys established the Fund after they first provided individual donations to the Orphanage needs including a children’s playground and upgrades to kitchen facilities.

“Children First” creates a permanent source of funding that will improve the lives of children through essential initiatives over the years. The Fund finances programs annually to enhance the education, health, and overall well-being of the children in the Ternopil Orphanage and prepares them to succeed as adolescents and contribute to Ukrainian society as adults. The Fund also assists with capital expenditures. These investments include medical and psychological assistance, resulting from injuries sustained by children due to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

The Fund contributes to the renovation and modernization of the orphanage’s facilities, ensuring that the children live and learn in a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment, giving them every opportunity to reach their maximum potential. Through this initiative, the Fund aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children at the Ternopil Orphanage and create a lasting positive impact on their futures.

If the Ternopil Orphanage no longer operates or ceases to exist, another orphanage in or around the City of Ternopil can replace it. If the orphanage system in Ukraine phases out, the Fund will then aim to improve the lives of children in the City of Ternopil and the Ternopil Oblast.

Background:  The decision to establish a designated fund to support the Ternopil Orphanage stems from a deep connection to Ukraine, her children, and the children of the Ternopil Orphanage itself.

Gabrielle Holowacz (née Kiss) emigrated from Hungary to Canada with her parents following the Hungarian Uprising of 1956—a nationwide revolt against Soviet rule that caused the deaths of thousands and prompted a mass exodus of Hungarians seeking refuge abroad. From an early age, Gabrielle carried a deeply personal and profound understanding of hardship, struggle, resilience, and triumph.

Gabrielle Holowacz dedicated 26 years to serving as a registered nurse at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto specializing in oncology.

Borys is the son of emigres parents, Jaroslaw and Zenna (née Krutyholowa) Holowacz, who fled the Soviet occupation of Ukraine after World War II and found freedom in Canada. The early years in Canada proved difficult for the Holowacz family, but their perseverance and resolve helped them begin their lives in a new land.

Borys established a successful career in sales and salesforce management within the restaurant food industry, drawing on the enterprising spirit passed down from his parents and grandfather.

On Valentine’s Day 2025, Gabrielle and Borys Holowacz established the “Children First” Fund to benefit the Ternopil Children’s Orphanage. Valentine’s Day is special for them as it marks their wedding anniversary, and this year, they celebrated by launching the Children First Fund. Their commitment to the Orphanage honors Borys’ mother Zenna, who comes from the Ternopil region, adding a personal tie to the area. Borys’ family in Ukraine adopted a young boy named Valentyn from the very orphanage this fund aims to support. Born on Valentine’s Day, Valentyn recently turned six years old and is thriving. These personal connections inspired Gabrielle and Borys to establish a permanent fund to care for the most vulnerable children in need.

Borys feels grateful for Gabrielle’s support, who shares his desire to give back to children and Ukraine. Gabrielle and Borys Holowacz hope to provide a brighter future for the orphans of Ternopil and uphold the values of care, support, and generosity that their families have always cherished.