The volunteer-run Ukrainian Village of Owen Sound is welcoming two new families who are fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Some of the first families to live in the four-apartment house downtown are moving on to new accommodations, making space for more mothers and their children fleeing the violence.
Ukrainian Village of Owen Sound Board Chair Lesya Chapman, says when the families arrive in Canada, there is an effort to relocate them to cities similar to where they’re from back in Ukraine. “Cities like Odessa for example, by the sea, that has a very similar vibe to Owen Sound seems to be a better fit,” says Chapman compared to bigger cities.
She also says with summer ahead, arrangements have been made thanks to YMCA Grey Bruce Settlement Services, for many of the kids to attend summer camp. “We are so happy for them, they are so excited to have this true Canadian experience,” says Chapman.
The small Ukrainian Village of Owen Sound volunteer group, which is made up of five board members relies on the help of donations from the community and the work of other volunteers.
Volunteer board members say there have been some challenges for newcomers in the past year, including finding more permanent housing for the families that they can afford, as well as vehicles for them.
The board says donations of vehicles are needed. A local couple, Nancy and Larry Cumming recently donated their car to one of the families, who now use it to travel to work. A Facebook post from the mother who received the car says, “The car made it easier for me to overcome the road to work and move around the Canadian expanses. I am grateful to all the people who where not indifferent and involved in the process of finding a car.”
Board member Rob Cordell says, “Even used vehicles these days are several thousand dollars, so it’s one thing to accumulate furniture and savings, but then to also be able to afford to buy a vehicle and insure it and all the costs that go along with operating it– that’s a challenge.”
Board members note, volunteer drivers are also welcome. There are many instances where the Ukrainian families need to travel to Toronto to the consulate for paperwork requirements. “We are always accepting help, especially from those who are willing and ready to travel to Toronto because most people don’t.”
Chapman says gift card donations are also welcome as they can help the families buy essential things like groceries.
Cordell says housing is needed so the families can move to their own places, and the Ukrainian Village of Owen Sound can welcome new families. He says, “There are people out there that might have– might be aware of, or they may have it themselves— an apartment unit or a rental place that they could provide, at least on a short-term basis in a subsidized way, that would be extremely helpful.”
Board member Deborah Barker says in order to gain permanent resident status in Canada, these Ukrainian mothers need to be in a full-time job for at least a year. Barker says at least one of the mothers living in the Ukrainian Village of Owen Sound is working seven days a week, and Chapman says a number of Ukrainians are working at Chapman’s Ice Cream.
On top of working, some also have tables at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market where they sell Ukrainian food, homemade chocolates, sweaters, scarves, and other items.
Those who would like to volunteer or donate can email ukrainianvillageofowensound@gmail.com
Village volunteers are also looking for a 24 to 29 inch wide stove as well as two sets of desks and two chairs for the kids to do their homework at.
They also have a Facebook page which can be found HERE
