in desperate hope of escaping a war-torn nightmare ukraineOksana Walevska and her two daughters, 8 and 9, packed their lives into a suitcase in hopes of a fresh start—to Canada.
“It was very difficult; it was very dangerous,” Walewska said of their time in Ukraine during the war, before they were able to escape.
“We had to hide in shelters every night and every day. Bombs, missiles falling just 500 meters from our house. Going to bed, you never know when you’re going to wake up,” says Walewska.
Walewska and her daughters packed up and left. After some long drives and three plane rides, they made it to Canada.
“When I saw the Canadian coastline, the first thing that came to mind … was that we are home,” Walewska said.
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The family arrived in October 2022, and they have been in the Durham area ever since. Walewska said they were luckier than others, and were able to get their visas within two months.
Walewska said she had the ideal life in Ukraine – she lived in Odessa, a beautiful city, her daughters were cheerleading champions, and life was peaceful and happy. Now, she and her girls can’t imagine going back.
“They love it here, I love it here. I love the Canadian culture and mentality. Everyone here is so kind, so hospitable and so welcoming,” Walewska said.
Walewska’s mother was able to come to Canada with her, but her father is still back home. And Walewska hasn’t seen her husband since last March.
“He was in the first line of soldiers in the armed forces,” Walewska said.
She speaks how much she misses him.
“When we do get a chance to talk to each other, he tells me the only thing that keeps him warm and happy is that we’re safe.”
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the war, government data indicates that more than 145,000 Ukrainian citizens and Ukrainian Canadians have arrived in Canada since the beginning of last year.
Walewska said the war situation is worsening every day, with blackouts and power cuts affecting Ukrainians – and there is a constant need to bring in more refugees.
Nearly 2,000 individuals from 750 households have access to emergency housing and services through the GTHA Ukraine Response Partnership, a project launched on June 6, 2022, according to a release from municipal leaders in the region.
The mayors and chairmen of nine municipalities across the province, including Hamilton, Toronto, Markham and Durham Region, are calling on the federal government to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and related costs.
“There is a bit of anger between the mayor and the chairmen of GTHA,” said John Henry, chairman of Durham Region.
“You invite people to the country and allow them a minimum stay in a hotel, and the municipalities are responsible for picking up the difference.
“It’s a challenge, not something we plan for, or budget. We have to find funding at a time when everything is more expensive.”
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The municipalities said they appreciate the federal government for its support, particularly for expedited visas, support for two weeks of hotel accommodation and emergency financial assistance.
“While these temporary supports from the federal government are welcome, they are not sufficient,” the statement reads.
Henry says there is no doubt that support for the Ukrainian community needs to continue, but the federal government needs to step up to the plate.
To date, the region has spent $2 million on support for Ukraine, but is asking the government to frontend that cost, which was out-of-pocket for municipalities, and to assist with future costs. For, as the war continues more Ukrainians seek asylum.
“We will be there to make sure that needs are met to do the best we can, but we are facing other challenges in this area,” Henry said. “This is something that should be dealt with and funded at the federal level.”
The Durham area has a strong Ukrainian community and support is also provided by the local Ukrainian Canadian Congress branch. President Katarina Rovska said their priority has been to make sure they are supporting newcomers to the region.
Rovska added, “All kinds of services, including Bastogar workers … translators … Ukrainian volunteers to help with the language barrier.”
Walewska and her family were left speechless in their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received, and say they are at a loss for words for the kindness and blessings they have experienced on their trip to Canada. While she said there is a lot of uncertainty, she is doing her best to stay positive.
“We are a little lost about the future,” Walewska said. “We don’t know how to plan because the war in Ukraine showed that you can’t plan your life, because one day someone comes and takes everything away.
“I hope these supports help me a lot to continue, as I know there are many others waiting to come to Canada.”