My name is Ross Dunn and I created this GoFundMe campaign on behalf of a dear friend and his wife who are Ukrainian refugees.

They recently escaped occupied territory after discovering their lives may be in danger due to rumours of Russian conscription. It was a horrifying thought... to be conscripted by force to fight against their own people, friends, and family in free Ukraine. There was no certainty conscription would happen, but along with the worsening of the war, the intensifying vindictiveness of Russian authorities (Ukrainian nationals are closely watched), and financial insecurity, they felt they had no choice. It was incredibly difficult for them to leave their home (paid for and all) to encounter the uncertainty of becoming refugees, but they could no longer wait for Ukraine to reclaim their region.

They are now living with a generous friend in Prague who is sharing his space with many other refugees. They are having great difficulty finding a new space to live in that is even available (let alone affordable) and are uncertain which country they can/will settle in. All-in-all, they are exhausted and have nowhere near enough money to resettle due to the extensive expenses that are ubiquitous outside of Russian-allied countries in Europe.

What has been done so far? As his employer as well as a friend, I am increasing his wage and buying him a laptop so that he can continue to work abroad; he had to leave his computer. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Victoria, BC have also provided invaluable support raising money for his flights and other costs to leave home in occupied territory and make it to Prague in the Czech Republic.

I am hoping now, with your help, to help Denis and Svetlana with some seed money to pay for their accommodation for at least 2 months while Svetlana also attempts to find a new job so they can increase their overall income.

Since they are in Europe, I can't connect their bank account to this fundraiser, so I will be distributing the funds personally by whatever wire transfer method we can arrange when they are settled.

Thank you so much for anything you can provide.

Slava Ukraini!