Yeheniia Razumnykh’s son, Matvil, and two other young Ukrainian girls who fled with their mother from Ukraine hold up the ‘Sophie’s Closet’ sign. (Submitted Photo/Sonya Jahn)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Ukrainian Refugees

P.A. welcomes more Ukrainian families to community

Aug 12, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Over 21 families from Ukraine are now living in Prince Albert.

There’s been a big jump over the past two months as there were around seven families in the community back in early June.

Nearly all of them are women and children as men who are 18 years or older must stay in Ukraine and help fight off Russia’s invasion.

Sonya Jahn, who’s looking after all the refugees, told paNOW more families could soon be on their way.

“Either there are family members who live here in Prince Albert that would like to bring their family here… they can choose to come to Prince Albert, we all know there are many employment opportunities and businesses hoping to employ these people.”

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Some of the businesses that’ve already hired refugees include MNP LLP, Mr. Mikes, Canadian Tire, and Market Tire.

Brent Hoiness, vice-president of Prince Albert’s Market Tire, explained it wasn’t a tough decision.

“It’s a terrible thing that’s happening and we’re trying to be as accommodating, welcoming, and helpful as we possibly can and if that means providing a job then excellent.”

He added they’ve hired one refugee and it didn’t take long to see how great their work ethic is.

Besides work, school is top of mind for the families as September is fast approaching.

The kids who arrived in June spent some time in school during the last school year, but the majority of families are still preparing for their first taste of the Canadian education system.

However, Jahn said any anxiety they may have had is gone.

“I sincerely thank the school divisions, the principals, the teachers, and all of the children who’ve been so welcoming.”

Meanwhile, people who want to donate to the families can still do so.

While they no longer need any more clothes, Jahn explained they still need non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, as well as new linens and towels.

The donations are being collected at MP Randy Hoback’s office, 79 11th St. W., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People are asked to call 306-953-8622 in advance.

Moving forward, Jahn is hoping all these families can truly get comfortable in P.A.

“It certainly is not an easy venture to come across the ocean to a new country and try and find a new life and new beginning.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow