Canadian Tire is one of several local businesses that have hired Ukrainian newcomers. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Ukrainian Newcomers

Local businesses, organizations helping Ukrainian newcomers

Jul 27, 2022 | 1:00 PM

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine continuing to force Ukrainians out of their homes, people across Saskatchewan have tried to find small ways to help. That includes several businesses in the Prince Albert area.

Among those businesses is Canadian Tire, which has been a big part of the effort to make Ukrainian refugees feel more at home in their new environment. They’ve hired two of the newcomers.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said Malcolm Jenkins, owner of Canadian Tire in Prince Albert. “These are folks that desperately need help, they’re being hard done by through just a horrible, horrible situation. Any percentage of relief that we can offer to help them and show good will, I think we have to do that.”

Canadian Tire, Market Tire, Mr. Mikes, MNP are among the businesses to hire Ukrainian newcomers so far. Other organizations, from the City of Prince Albert to Prince Albert Minor Soccer, have offered some form of support as well.

“Our experience is totally, totally positive on all sides,” Jenkins said. “We’ve given them a sort of safe haven and something to occupy their minds, which I’m sure during the day they would be worried sick about what’s happening at home.”

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The two women working with Canadian Tire right now are Alona Lashko and Solomiya Kozak, and Jenkins had high praise for both of them.

“These ladies are both delightful,” said Jenkins. “They’re working on our cash registers, which is pretty much the toughest job in the store. Their command of English is better than mine. Maybe that’s not saying much, but they’ve fit right in perfectly.”

The news that war was coming to Ukraine shook communities across the country, and the magnitude of the problem might make some people feel like there’s nothing they can do to help. For Jenkins, however, a willingness to help out in smaller ways is important as well.

“It should be natural to everyone, I think,” Jenkins said. “When the Red Cross hears there’s an earthquake somewhere they ask for help, we should give help. We’re just lucky that we live in Prince Albert, Sask., which is just about the safest place on earth. There’s no earthquakes, no tidal waves, no volcanoes… Other people around the world have it way, way worse than we do.”

Jenkins also said he’s not done finding ways to help just yet.

“We have an open door for folks that apply for jobs, and if we can fit them in we’re going to do it,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins added the Ukrainian community has deep roots in Saskatchewan, and that helped Alona and Solomiya settle in.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP