Ukrainians begin to settle in Canada as Russia’s war continues: ‘More comfortable here’ – National

Over a month after Russia launched its first missiles at Ukraine on Feb. 24, 40-year-old Olha Rudenko and her two kids have begun to ease into their new life in Canada after fleeing from the western metropolis of Lutsk.

Whereas Rudenko and her sons, Lukian, 9, and Stanislav, 16, spent a month in Poland arranging their journey to Ottawa, her sister, Natalia Stepaniuk, was again in Ottawa making ready for her household to reach.

“There needs to be recognition that these aren’t common immigrants,” Stepaniuk, 36, instructed International Information. “These are individuals which can be coming from the struggle zone which can be traumatized.”

The Rudenkos arrived during the last weekend of March after a stranger from Montreal purchased them aircraft tickets. Stepaniuk, who moved to Canada ten years in the past, met the stranger on a Fb group devoted to serving to Ukrainians throughout the struggle.

“I’m joyful that my sister is protected in Ottawa along with her youngsters,” Stepaniuk stated. “I additionally really feel very unhappy that they needed to come below these circumstances. There’s a variety of ache and a variety of anxiousness as nicely.”

Now that the household has reunited, the primary precedence will probably be to rearrange college for Lukian and Stanislav as Rudenko tries to search out work.

“I don’t need my sister to feed us and I wish to work,” she stated.

“I really feel extra comfy right here,” she added.

Whereas Rudenko and her kids begin their new journey in Canada, her husband has stayed in Ukraine to hitch the civilian activity power.

“He stated that it will be simpler for him if we’re protected,” she instructed International Information by tears. “I did this journey for my youngsters. It’s so painful.”

On Vancouver Island, Brian and Sharon Holowaychuks are additionally making ready to assist Ukrainians who’re coming to Canada by changing their 15,000-square-foot resort property right into a refugee dwelling.

Referred to as the Ukrainian Safe Haven, the couple has accomplished transforming with the assistance of volunteers to host refugees who needs to be arriving in April.

“My private objective is 100 individuals,” Brian stated. “We’ve bought 19 individuals booked to be coming in about two to a few weeks.”

Brian hopes the Ukrainian Protected Haven could be a place to relaxation and really feel protected for the refugees, who he stated can keep so long as they should.

To this point, the local people has proven a flood of assist for the mission, with volunteers and supporters coming in to assist or donate, Brian stated. Stewart Johnston, a Victoria-based lawyer, determined he wished to assist out by registering the mission as a non-profit without charge.

“That is a particularly essential trigger and I’m actually impressed with what they’re doing to assist,” Johnston stated. “I wished to assist out.”

The Holowaychuks purchased the resort in East Sooke, often known as the Grouse Nest, final yr. It sits on a 33-hectare property surrounded by bushes, wildlife and overlooking the ocean waterfront.

“We’re ready, in a spot, in a time the place we may assist make a little bit of a distinction. And I assumed, you realize, it’s time to face up and be counted,” Brian stated.

On Saturday, the Canadian authorities introduced $100 million in further humanitarian assist to answer the worsening humanitarian disaster in Ukraine and neighbouring international locations.

With Saturday’s announcement, Canada has offered $245 million in humanitarian help to Ukraine. Of that, $145 million has been allotted to United Nations organizations, the Pink Cross Motion, and to non-governmental organizations.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser instructed reporters Saturday that Canada has already authorized greater than 30,000 purposes below the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency journey program.

In Belleville, Ont., residents Mark and Trish Corridor don’t know precisely when the Kupyniak household will arrive, however the couple is making ready for the day.

Natalia and Yurii Kupyniak have three kids aged 14, six, and 10 months previous.

“They’re at the moment residing on the very fringe of Poland. They’re staying at a farm, it’s a one-bedroom. It’s nothing like we might ever know,” stated Trish Corridor, noting the couple related with the Kupyniaks by an internet site designed to attach refugees with hosts.

The Halls, together with others locally, have banded collectively to lease a full condominium for the household for the subsequent yr.

Native companies are additionally serving to the household out. Mama Duck’s Diaper Service will probably be offering free diapers for his or her 10-month-old and Yurii Kupyniak may have a job ready for him when he arrives as nicely.

A GoFundMe marketing campaign has been set as much as assist the Kupyniaks after they’re settled in Belleville, whereas different donations will probably be dropped off on the Albert School car parking zone, the place a trailer will probably be set as much as settle for contributions from the group.

Ukrainians arriving in Canada will probably be eligible for 2 weeks of momentary lodge lodging and as much as six weeks of earnings assist, the Liberals have assured.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra stated his division is working with Canadian airways to arrange constitution flights, however particulars haven’t been finalized. Most of the affected Ukrainians are unfold over a large space and a few aren’t prepared to depart simply but.

“Nobody needs to be pressured to flee their properties and we’re dedicated to serving to Ukrainians who’ve needed to go away their nation due to this unlawful struggle,” Alghabra stated.

“As Canadians, we’ll do what we do greatest. We’ll get up for Ukrainians and warmly welcome them as they alter to new life right here of their new nation.”

With recordsdata from International Information’ Alaina Saint Amour, John Lawless and The Canadian Press