FROM TORONTO POLICE SERVICE
A Toronto Police member has once again stepped up to help the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by lending his voice to a charity helping children caught in the crossfire of the war.
On July 25, a book launch was held for 47-year veteran Staff Sergeant Chuck Konkel’s third novel, Who Has Buried the Dead? at Headquarters.
For a month, all proceeds from the sale of the novel will go to Project Soniashnyk (Sunflower), a charity that funds trauma rehabilitation camps for those members of the Ukraine military – many who have been orphaned by the war.
Chief Myron Demkiw said this is another example of the efforts of Toronto Police members to help everyday Ukrainians, which have included gathering and shipping clothing and essential items to the country.
This is Chuck Konkel’s third book and proceeds go to a good cause.
“Our Ukrainian population in Toronto, and indeed across the world, has been deeply shaken by this war and, of course, it has affected many children,” Demkiw said. “Protecting and nurturing children during this challenging time is so important. I’m confident these camps will give children the things that every child should have when they go to camp: a safe place to play, a chance to make new friends and an opportunity to develop as people and develop their leadership skills.”
The Chief noted that many talented Service members take up a variety of impressive hobbies and passion projects in their spare time, but it is remarkable that Konkel has now published a third novel.
…
The historical novel detailing Soviet Imperialism took Konkel nine years to research and write.
“This book turns on secrets,” Konkel said. “One secret is buried in the deep, dark forest of Katyn, Poland and the other is in the pages of a notebook – The Scottish Book – kept in a modest café in Lwow which is an ancient Polish city.”
Konkel, who is of Polish heritage, said he feels obligated to help out the Urkraine as so many other Canadians horrified by the suffering they’ve witnesses in news reports.
“There are innocent people suffering through this war,” Konkel said. “We want to help the victims of the war.”
Proceeds from the book will go to charity when purchased at the police headquarters gift shop (40 College St.) or online via www.whohasburiedthedead.com