Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today Ivonka Survila, the leader of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR), celebrates her 87th birthday. She embodies the historical continuity of Belarusian statehood from the founders of Belarusians’ first national state to the present day. But Ivonka Survila is not just the Rada of the BNR.
She has devoted her entire life to Belarus. For example, in the 1980s, Ivonka Survila founded the Canadian Foundation for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus. The foundation allowed Belarusian children to receive medical treatment abroad and sent drugs and medical equipment worth millions of dollars to the affected areas.
Previously we only talked on the phone, but last year I had the honor of meeting her in person. And every time we talk, I feel like I'm talking to my own grandmother. You always feel so much care and warmth from this wonderful, kind-hearted woman! I sincerely admire her courage and love for her homeland.
Dear Ivonka, I wish you good health and many happy returns of the day!”
