Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre President Jim Perchaluk gave an update Tuesday on behalf of the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund.
According to Perchaluk, the fund is now directly supporting 20 families from Ukraine and there are a number of citizens from Ukraine who have relocated to the Parkland to work on farms and/or reside with family.
"Our support to 20 families has definitely exceeded our initial expectations when the fund first started last April at which time we had planned to assist two or three families. With the generosity of the people throughout the Parkland and Province of Manitoba, we have received cash donations along with many donations in kind such as housing, household furniture, clothing, and bikes to support 20 families," he adds.
Perchaluk went on to say that their support group of volunteers has provided transportation to Dauphin from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, along with rides to the grocery store, bank, work, medical appointments, and English classes.
"A great example of the excellent support services provided by the fund, with a financial contribution from the Dauphin and District Community Foundation, is the set-up and funding of English classes two evenings a week to assist in the learning of our language," he adds.
Jim Perchaluk says that they have been able to welcome and support 56 people from Ukraine and most of the 31 adults who have arrived and are able to work are finding jobs in Dauphin.
"There are 25 children who are either in our schools or day care and many [are] participating in dance or swimming lessons. All are quickly adapting to our Canadian life and are very appreciative of the support and opportunities that are being provided by the fund and community," he adds.
According to Perchaluk, total expenses to date from the fund for the Ukrainian families in the Parkland have been $133,000 and another $142,000 has been allocated to complete their commitment to the 20 families.
"When the fund first started accepting families, we made a commitment to the first 12 families to provide financial support for 12 months of housing, 6 months of transportation, and 3 months [of] food and incidentals. Once we went beyond acceptance of the first 12 families, we had to scale back our financial support to stay within our financial means, therefore our financial commitment to the latest families [was] for 3 months of food and housing, plus support services," he adds.
Perchaluk notes that the fund has been maxed out financially with regard to its commitment to help support the 20 families that have already settled in Dauphin.
"Support to additional families will depend upon new donations to the fund," he adds.
Receipts for income tax purposes will be provided in the next several weeks to all those who have made cash donations.
Anyone interested in learning more can call Larry Hrytsay at 204-648-5904.
