War-fleeing Ukrainians settle into farm in Langley
Posted June 13, 2022 7:00 am.
Last Updated June 14, 2022 3:45 pm.
A family of five has settled into their new life in Langley after fleeing the war in Ukraine a month ago.
Alona, her husband, and three young children left everything when they fled the Russian attacks. After applying to come to Canada, the family was accepted and has since moved to a dairy farm in the Fraser Valley.
Speaking through a translator, Alona says her family feels safe for the first time in a long time, adding her children are now able to play outside.
Before the war, she was a school counselor. But when the conflict began, Alona and her family were forced to hide inside their home, away from windows, fearing that their house would be attacked daily.
She says they were grateful to be able to come to Canada, thanks to a three-year work permit granted by the federal government. They are learning about farm life and have been touched by gifts of clothing and other necessities since they arrived.
Nicole and David Davis, their host family, say they felt compelled to help after seeing the news about what was happening in Ukraine. They tell CityNews they found information through the Maple Hope Foundation.
The couple had a property on their farm that was big enough for the family and says they are welcome to stay as long as they want.
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The Maple Hope Foundation has been helping Ukrainian refugees find housing in Metro Vancouver. Hundreds have applied, but to date, the group has only been able to get accommodation for 47 families.
“Everybody that I speak with, they say their only wish is for the free sky for their children. This is why they are here. They don’t feel safe in Europe that much. So they are grateful for this opportunity that the Canadian government has given them to be here and be safe,” says Anastasia Spivak, who is with the organization.
Spivak says it isn’t easy to leave Ukraine and settle in Canada, as there are often language barriers and other challenges. However, the organization does its best to make it a smooth transition.
“The big difference is they are coming here on a work visa, they are not coming in a refugee status, so they are not eligible for a lot of help that they would as refugees,” Spivak says.
She adds host families and the Red Cross step in, but the newcomers are usually keen to start work and earn their own salaries.
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The Davis couple says in turn, they are learning a lot about the family’s home country.
“I think this has actually been really rewarding for us,” Nicole said. “I actually think this has been a gift to our family to be able to experience this and to do something to help somebody else in need.”
She says she and her husband have learned that when they drop by to visit, they always have to stay for a meal.
“They seem to be very family-oriented and take that time.”
The Davis family says it’s important to remember there are a lot of people who want to help, and are thankful for other members of the Langley community stepping into help.
