We’re Geoff and Emily, live in Toronto, and are opening our basement suite to host an Ukrainian family fleeing the war.

Julie and her two children Yaroslav (12) and Dasha (10) will be coming to Canada this Friday June 10th and will be staying with us for the foreseeable future. Geoff and I were very lucky to connect on “icanhelp.host” about 2 months ago and have been sharing daily messages since then while they have awaited receiving their visas. This website provides a platform on which Ukrainians fleeing the country are able to connect with individuals around the world who are willing to offer them space in their homes to live free of charge.

Julie worked in aesthetic dentistry in Ukraine and is very excited to pursue a similar career here in Canada once she can determine how her credentials can transfer or enter an appropriate education program to bridge the divide. Yaroslav loves baseball and Dasha dance and both have taken English classes and enjoy parks and long walks with mom while they have been staying in Germany awaiting their Canadian visas. Unfortunately, Julie’s husband must remain in Ukraine for the time being to serve in the army, but we are all hopeful they will be able to reunite as a family sooner than later.

The Canadian government has provided a path for Julie and her kids to enter Canada via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET visa program), unfortunately the resources beyond this visa issue are limited. Julie has paid her own way to Canada (via train and last minute direct flights to Canada from Germany) and will be navigating the rental market once they have their groundings here.

With her permission I decided to set up a GoFundMe as many people have reached out when I’ve shared their story. Amongst other financial requirements, Julie and her children will need first and last month rent secured when they leave our place as well as funds to help pay bills as Julie might require some additional training before she can jump into her profession in the Canadian field.

If you feel inclined to donate, it will go directly to Julie and her children in helping secure some financial security as they establish themselves here in Canada.

The many words of encouragement received have eased the challenges we’ve all faced so far, and I’m grateful we can share our friend and family circles and welcome this lovely family into our country, hearts and home.