ESTVAN - A committee of people living throughout Saskatchewan has found success in bringing Ukrainians to the province.
The Sunflower Network is comprised of a group of representatives from various industries. Many of them reside in southeast Saskatchewan.
Brian Crossman, who is part of the committee, said they have been contacted by 22 families, and many of them are now settled in Saskatchewan. Six to eight families are residing in Saskatoon and Warman, and six have come to Estevan, with another family set to arrive Aug. 11.
The flight with 230 Ukrainian citizens that landed in Regina on July 4 included a family brought to Saskatchewan by the Sunflower Network.
“We’re hoping that we can get the Saskatchewan government to maybe get some more flights going in the future, and bringing more people from over there. That would be a big help as well,” said Crossman.
Some families that have been speaking with the Sunflower Network are still in Poland.
“All of these people coming over, they want to come here, they want to work and contribute,” said Crossman. “They’re excited to be in Canada, and it’s a good opportunity for them to get away from a tragic situation.”
Crossman pointed out that Russia’s war on Ukraine hasn’t been in the news as much of late, but the war is still ongoing and the Ukrainians have done a good job of fighting off the Russian forces.
“It’s a tough struggle and we need to get a lot of those families that are at risk over there to safer countries, and Canada’s definitely one of the better countries for them to come.”
The people who have come here have been able to find jobs in construction, cleaning services, hospitality and more.
Life in Canada has represented a big change, but from what he has seen, the Ukrainian newcomers are happy to be here, Crossman said, especially since they know their children are able to be safe.
“We’re finding nice, clean places for them to live,” said Crossman. “Estevan Housing [Authority] has already been some good help there, too.”
Everybody he talks to has nothing but good things to say about the Ukrainians who have come to Canada and Saskatchewan. This province has a large Ukrainian community already, which makes the transition a lot easier for many of them.
The community has been very generous with their support. The Sunflower Network is always looking for financial assistance. A donation page is located on their website, sunflowernetwork.ca.
“We’ve had some people be generous and donate some money. We’ve had people also donate some furniture and housewares, good for families that arrive, which has been a big help.”
The Southern Plains Co-op has been a strong supporter, as they donated hot dogs and soft drinks for a barbecue at the Downtown Business Association’s night market earlier this year. The co-op donated another $1,500.
He suggested that if anyone wants to step in and help, they can, even if it’s something simple like purchasing gift cards to help the families’ needs.
“Anyone can help these people. It doesn’t have to be the Sunflower Network. If you know of a family down the street from you that just got here, go down the street and say hi and offer them some help and anything you can. I’m sure these people will greatly appreciate it.”
Other people have helped a lot. Crossman noted Aleksandra Szlapacka from the Polish Kitchen has been a big help with fundraising, getting families settled in and helping people. Debbie Hagel and Michael Pelletier have been great with Southeast Newcomer Services, as has the Southeast College. They have helped with language training, along with getting social insurance numbers, driver’s licences, banking and housing.
They also have a good contingent of people in Estevan, Saskatoon and Carnduff.
“We’re trying to not become too big, because there are lots of people doing the same thing we are, which is great,” said Crossman.
The Sunflower Network is organizing a fundraising dinner on Oct. 28 at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch. It will be similar to the highly successful fundraisers, organized by the local Ukrainian community, which took place in Estevan earlier this year, with perogies, cabbage rolls and sausages on the menu.
Proceeds from the October event will be directed to the Ukrainian families who have now settled in the city.
Crossman noted that Szlapacka has found some Ukrainian dancers from Regina to perform at the supper. Tickets are now available.
