(file photo)

By Susan McNeil

Displaced Ukrainians

City supports Ukrainian family bike donation idea

Apr 4, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Taking unclaimed bikes that are normally auctioned off every spring and giving some of them to Ukrainian families displaced by conflict got support from city council on Monday.

Sonya Jahn a local volunteer who has been helping the families settle into Prince Albert told council that many left their homes with almost nothing.

“Many of them have just come with one suitcase and the clothing on their backs,” Jahn said. “They started out with nothing and they are contributing citizens to our community.”

As of this week, 56 families have moved to Prince Albert and all the adults have found jobs and places to live.

But more want to come and Jahn said the welcoming group is being contacted directly by displaced people in Europe, looking to transition.

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Because it takes a while to re-establish financially, Jahn asked council to allow the newcomers to have at least 30 bicycles for the children and possibly adults who could use them to travel to work.

Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick moved to have Jahn be allowed to take up to 50 bikes, something she will have to do before the auction.

“The community has been phenomenal with employing our newcomers and welcoming them,” he said. “This is a small thing on our part.”

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com