Ukrainian Families in the Shuswap Area
By Barbra Fairclough
Through an accelerated temporary residence pathway, five Ukrainian families are now receiving volunteer support to live in the Shuswap area.
Seventy Shuswap area volunteers along with many businesses have responded to the March 17th federal announcement of the Canadian Ukraine Authorization for the Emergency Travel (CUAET). This program allows Ukrainians and their immediate families of any nationality to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. This allows Ukrainians to seek safe haven while the war in their home country continues.
On August 27, a catered Ukrainian Dinner with live entertainment was held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Salmon Arm. This fundraiser was an opportunity to meet and welcome some of the families.
After all the Ukrainian families have arrived, a meet, greet and eat, auction fundraiser is in the planning stages for Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre, Blind Bay on October 1st from 4:00PM 8:00PM. This event will have hot dogs and desserts, and wine and beer beverages will be available for sale. There will also be an auction with prizes donated by North and South Shuswap businesses. Enjoy a hotdog with the families and enjoy bidding on the many prizes which include gift certificates, fantastic quilts and works of art as well as barbeques and smokers and a 2-hour plane ride tour of the Shuswap.
Beth Bennett, volunteer on the Fundraising Committee says most families are living in Blind Bay and Sorrento. She confirms there is one more home that is needed for a family. Even a temporary short-term place to live is helpful. This will help them to get settled in this area and find longer term living arrangements more ably. If you can help or have any questions, please send an email to shuswapukrainians@gmail.com
Unable to attend a fundraiser? Contribute to the Go fund Me project at https://www.shoreikankarateshuswap.ca/ukraine . Over $11,000 has been raised so far.
This project also needs volunteers. Volunteer in any support area by filling in an online form located on the project website here https://www.shoreikankarateshuswap.ca/support-to-ukrainians-form
The project website is generously hosted by the Shuswap Dojo. Go to the website for further information, including about the October 1 event, and sign up for the regular weekly updates.
https://www.shoreikankarateshuswap.ca/ukraine
An Event fundraiser on August 27, 2022 raised a total of $6,484.90. Shared from https://www.shoreikankarateshuswap.ca/copy-of-ukraine-1
