After two years and more than 100 refugees welcomed to the region, the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is wrapping up its agency agreement with the Shelter for Ukrainians Society (SFUS).
The agreement is coming to a close because Canada’s Ukraine-specific refugee program has ended.
“The Shelter for Ukrainians Society has been excellent to work with and I can’t say enough about their board of directors and the work they’ve done to recruit a huge team of about 60 volunteers to provide support to these individuals and families,” said Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director.
“It’s so heartwarming to see the amazing generosity from the community. It’s a wonderful story of people trying to help people.”
The SFUS started shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and Canada began welcoming refugees in response.
Between April 2022 and today, the SFUS has helped 106 Ukrainians, including 34 children, find safety in the southeast Kootenay.
Many of them have settled into communities including Sparwood, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Creston, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs. Some have plans to seek permanent residency while others have chosen to relocate or return home.
“The Society has helped those folks integrate into the community, get their kids into child care, helping connect adults with English classes and work opportunities,” said Wray.
“It’s quite a journey for these people who needed to flee their homes and come halfway around the world to find a safe place to be.”
Through the agreement, the CFKR managed charitable donations and tax receipts.
“Refugees would pay for their airfare to get here, then the Shelter for Ukrainians Society would put in a request to reimburse them for that cost,” explained Wray.
“Other expenses could include winter and general clothes, household supplies or any variety of things that any of us might need if we had to leave our homes quickly and leave all of our belongings.”
The agreement will officially end on Nov. 2, 2024, so the CFKR will not take further funding for the SFUS.
“Because we are winding up, we are no longer seeking donations from the public on this initiative,” said Wray.
“If people are interested in continuing to support folks from Ukraine, I would suggest connecting with the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.”
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