Baba’s Closet in need of more hygiene supplies

Baba’s Closet continues to make a tremendous impact on Ukrainian refugees who have made their way to Saskatoon.

The store on 51st street has been operating since April and continues to rely on donations from the public, as well as the hard work of several volunteers.

Nettie Cherniatenski helped bring Baba’s Closet to the city and talks about how things have only gotten busier since the grand opening.

“It’s very busy today. Last Saturday, we did 12 new families,” Cherniatenski said.

“Every day we see somebody coming in to pick up donations that they need for their home and for the next few years or hopefully to stay in the Saskatoon community.”

The creator of Baba’s Closet says people in Saskatoon and surrounding communities are very generous with wanting to donate items. Right now, however, Cherniatenski said they are starting to lose traction in one category.

“We’re actually very short right now in the toiletry department. I know everybody is going through a hard time right now with the increase of groceries and items like that,” Cherniatenski explained.

Baba’s Closet is looking for donations of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, dental floss and deodorant.

“Any of that stuff (toiletries) would be really greatly appreciated.”

Cherniatenski says the Ukrainians she’s talked to in the store feel very welcomed in the province and are amazed at the generosity shown by people here.

“The first thing is they are in shock. They just stand there and they cannot believe that the people in Saskatoon have reached out to them as much as they have and welcomed them here. We are getting nothing but good compliments from the people here.”

Cherniatenski says the Ukrainians still have their minds on the war since Russia invaded Ukraine back on February 24th. She says it’s very normal for Ukrainians to shed a tear in the store and finds herself giving out hugs from time to time.

It’s why Cherniatenski wants to do everything she can for these newcomers.

“It’s not like going to work from 9-5 and waiting for that paycheque to come. It’s very rewarding is all I can say. At my age, I feel like I have a real purpose in life to continue.”

Baba’s Closet will continue to operate in its current location until the end of April in 2023 when the one-year lease agreement to the building expires.

Cherniatenski says she’s going to do everything in her control to change people’s lives until that day comes.

“I think (it’s) going to be hard on lots of people knowing that it was here and they can’t come back,” Cherniatenski admitted.

Baba’s Closet will be handing out backpacks to all kids up to the age of 17 ahead of the upcoming school year. She says it’s the right thing to do for many Ukrainians that will step foot in a Canadian classroom for the first time.

This program is set to launch in the second week of August.