Hi my name is Tracey and I am a friend of Ludmilla Ufimzeff.

Ludmilla is a 48 year old mom, who came to Canada to get married and with no English language skills.

Abuse began 3 days after the wedding. She became pregnant immediately and food was withheld during pregnancy. With her whole family in Germany she thought things

would improve. Through the course

of her marriage and 16 children, the abuse

became much worse. When I met her in 2022 Her world was getting smaller and smaller. And for the past year she had been

confined to her bedroom in the family home.

Because she spoke no English,

she lost her voice, first in her marriage then in her community. Although

she repeatedly went to religious leaders in her slavic church community for help over the years, the response was not helpful.

When Ludmilla learned that Canada has laws that enforce her and her children’s safety, there was a new hope! By the kindness of victim services in Vernon, and a compassionate Judge, an emergency protection order was put in place in February 2023 and the family has since lived in safety.

It has been three years and the family is rebuilding: all the kids of school age are in school. They can finally access the doctor. The things we take for granted in our homes are not for everyone and these things are such a gift. Two weeks ago when their fridge broke down a generous Vernon Appliance store heard they were trying to keep their milk cold on the porch and gifted the family a fridge.

Through the courts, supervised visitation and child support were ordered. While the visitation has occurred child financial support has not happened. Mr. Ufimzeff has said when Ludmilla gets desperate enough for funds, this will finally allow him to return home.

There was sadly no support from her husband’s brothers or their families, who knew of the abuse. In fact. they have cut themselves and their families off from Ludmilla and her children. The church community she had gone to for 25+ years excommunicated her for separating. And while she has felt alone, she has not lost her faith in God. She is the kindest most loving lady I know. Her arms are always open

for her children

Her older daughters have taken out credit cards to help feed the family. This card debt is now at $40.000 and is maxed

out. This has been their 3 year grocery bill. At the beginning the purpose was a temporary solution until mandated child support came in but this has not come through. and while Ludmilla is dealing with BCFMA (Family maintenance agency) The letters they send are ignored and when wages were garnished the employment suddenly stopped. The arrears are with BCFMA are now over $40,000.00

Right now they need food.

They are completely out of finances. They need to pay down the credit cards which have fed the family since Feb 2023. They need help to survive. The funds collected will be used only for this. They need your help to go further. In desperation, they are asking the community to see them, to please extend a hand and donate and help them get through this new hardship. Every dollar helps. It will be used wisely. Thank you for every person who took the time to read this.