British Columbia Couple's Unwavering Commitment to Ukraine Four Years After Russian Invasion
In a remarkable display of humanitarian dedication, a couple from British Columbia has continued their relief work in Ukraine for four consecutive years following Russia's full-scale invasion. Mary and Chad Martz made the life-altering decision to leave their home in B.C. in 2022, traveling directly into the conflict zone to provide essential assistance to affected communities.
'We Weren't Going to Abandon People'
The Martzes' commitment stems from a fundamental principle: refusing to leave vulnerable populations without support during one of Europe's most devastating conflicts in recent history. Their work has involved distributing food, medical supplies, and other critical resources to civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing hostilities.
"When we arrived in 2022, we saw the immediate needs were overwhelming," explained Mary Martz in a recent statement. "The destruction was widespread, and people had lost everything—homes, livelihoods, and in many cases, family members. We knew we couldn't just provide temporary help and then leave."
Sustained Presence Amid Ongoing Conflict
While many international aid organizations operate with rotating staff or limited deployments, the Martzes have maintained a continuous presence in Ukraine throughout the four-year conflict. Their approach has allowed them to build deep relationships with local communities and better understand evolving needs as the war has progressed through different phases.
Their work has adapted to changing circumstances: Initially focused on emergency response during the invasion's early months, their efforts have shifted toward longer-term recovery support, including helping rebuild damaged infrastructure and providing psychological support to trauma survivors.
Personal Sacrifices and Challenges
The couple's decision has involved significant personal sacrifices, including extended separation from family and friends in Canada and exposure to dangerous conditions in active conflict zones. They have navigated logistical challenges ranging from disrupted supply chains to security threats while maintaining their humanitarian operations.
"There are certainly difficult days," acknowledged Chad Martz. "But when you see the difference even small acts of assistance can make in someone's life—providing a warm meal to a displaced family or medical care to an injured child—it reinforces why this work matters so profoundly."
Broader Context of Canadian Support for Ukraine
The Martzes' individual efforts occur against a backdrop of broader Canadian support for Ukraine. In February 2026, former Bank of England governor and Canadian political figure Mark Carney pledged additional sanctions against Russia and committed $2 billion in further assistance to Ukraine, marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
Their story represents one of many Canadian responses to the crisis, ranging from government policy and financial aid to grassroots humanitarian initiatives by private citizens determined to make a difference in conflict-affected regions.
The couple shows no signs of ending their mission soon, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict while continuing to provide whatever assistance they can to Ukrainian civilians enduring the war's devastating consequences.
