My worst nightmare came true when on February, 24th, the war on the Ukrainian country and people had started, and the news was splashed front and center across the news outlets and social media. I cannot put into words the gut-punch feeling I felt at that moment, to see the horrifying events that were unfolding on my native home, my family & people, and the brutal assault taking place on my identity, culture, and my beloved country. I needed to immediately get in touch with my family and 4 sisters still residing in Ukraine, to ensure they were safe and figure out together where we go from here, offering assistance from afar.

 

In particular, I was concerned about my youngest sister, Olia, as she has 2 young daughters to protect (Marta, 7 and Lisa, 14 years old). With her children confused and fearful, sirens ringing out in the streets, and explosions rocking nearby buildings, Olia made the split decision to leave Ukraine with her children. Armed with the few precious belongings she could stuff into 2 backpacks, she headed to the border to seek refuge with her children, while her husband stayed behind to join the territorial defence. Imagine, in a blink of an eye being forced to leave your home and the life you’ve built, saying goodbye to your husband (not knowing when or if you’ll see him again), and heading out on the road into complete uncertainty. It seems unimaginable, but the unimaginable was happening.

 

After days of navigating her way out of the country, she eventually found refuge in Romania while we assisted her application for The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, allowing them to seek asylum in Canada. During the 3 month process to await approval, our family was supporting them in Romania. Finally, as of early June, Olia and her daughters arrived safely in Canada to our relief.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP: I am now reaching out to my community for help. As of today, my family and her family, 7 of us in total, are living in a tiny 2-bedroom apartment and this isn’t sustainable long-term. We were able to help her find some temporary part-time work to help get her on her feet, but a part-time income doesn’t nearly come close to being able to afford rent and caring for the needs of 2 children, Marta & Lisa. Olia’s husband lost his job and unfortunately can’t support them much at this time. Olia won't be able to return to her past job as a legal adviser any time soon either, as the manufacturing company she worked for stopped production because of the war. Our family has assisted financially as much as we can, but it’s been a difficult time for us too, having weathered the storm of the pandemic that brought on hardships of their own. We are trying to raise $20,000 to help Olia and her 2 daughters have a head start with rent, food, and other basic necessities. I reach out to the community now, as I know, together WE CAN make this happen. With so many horrific events that happen in our world, when we come together to help each other, we overwrite the wrongs of the world and grow stronger against these maleficent forces. Let’s show Olia, Marta & Lisa the kindness and compassion of the Canadian spirit, and that there can be a happy ending.

THANK YOU!

 

Tanya