Help Bring Roman Home to His Family in Ukraine

Help Bring Roman Home to His Family in Ukraine

Like so many Ukrainians seeking safety and a fresh start, Roman "Roma" Shulezhko came to Canada with hope in his heart. He was a 32-year-old construction worker and talented tattoo artist who arrived in Toronto in March 2024 on a work visa. Before that, he had been living and working in Poland — as a taxi driver and factory worker — since before the war began in 2022.

Roman found a small basement room near Dupont subway station, got his Ontario driver’s license, and told his parents Svetlana and Anatolii Shulezhko he was looking for work. But things quickly unravelled.

Unable to find a job, he lost his housing and became homeless. Perhaps not wanting to worry his family, who were struggling back home in the village of Lypova Dolyna in war-torn Ukraine, he stopped writing to them in July 2024. He also disappeared from social media. His family tried desperately to find him — posting in Facebook groups, reaching out to shelters, and following every lead — but nothing concrete surfaced.

Then, in November 2024, Roman was located by Niagara Regional Police in Niagara Falls. He had no fixed address and was staying at shelters as needed. Although he was alive and physically well, he still never reached out to his family.

On March 30, 2025, Roman’s mother received the call no parent should ever get. Roman had been found deceased in a park in Niagara Falls overnight on March 21–22. Police said foul play was not suspected and were awaiting toxicology and autopsy results.

Roman’s death is a heartbreaking end to a story that began with courage, hope and the dream of a better life. He was his parents' only child. They never stopped searching for him. They never stopped praying.

Now, we're trying to fulfill their final wish for their son — to bring him home to Ukraine.

️ Why We’re Raising Funds

Roman’s family cannot afford the costs of cremation, repatriation, and a funeral in Ukraine. With the war ongoing, travel out of Ukraine is difficult — and Roman’s father, like many men in Ukraine, is not permitted to leave the country.

This fundraiser will cover:

All proceeds will go directly to Roman’s parents, Svetlana and Anatolii, who are grieving deeply and simply want to bring their son home.

About the Organizer

This fundraiser is organized by Belinda Sutton, a Toronto-based volunteer who has helped settle Ukrainian newcomers since the war began in 2022. She became involved after seeing a post from Roman’s family seeking help. She and other volunteers searched for Roman over many months, and she has remained in close contact with the family ever since.

Every Contribution Matters

Every donation will help bring peace to a grieving family. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help us spread Roman’s story.

Let’s give Roman the dignity of returning home — and show his family they are not alone.

Thank you for your caring.

– Belinda