KISBEY — In the spring, an auction was held at the Kisbey Recreation Centre to raise funds for the people in Ukraine.
At the time, Svitlana Makar spoke to the crowd about the conditions in Ukraine and the intensity of the war. Svitlana is from Ukraine and still has family there.
Her husband Ivan thought it was a great idea to move to Canada. He is a trucker and saw jobs posted online. Ivan felt moving to Canada would give his family a brighter future, as the economy in Ukraine is not good and it is expensive to live there.
After a year’s worth of paperwork, Ivan could finally come over to Canada to begin his new job. But it would be another year before Svitlana and their daughter would arrive.
Once settled, they began their new life in Canada, but always remembered their roots in Ukraine.
It is now 12 years later, and they love it here. They reside in Kisbey with their three children and love the feel of the openness of the Prairies and the great people in the small community.
In February, the war broke out in Ukraine, changing the lives of Ukrainian people. Although Svitlana’s parents and sister lived further west in a town called Vonigovo, the concern for their family’s safety grew.
Once again, the paperwork would begin, but this time for Svitlana’s sister Olesia Shpilka, her husband Alex, and two children Nazar and Alex would need to wait for the approval to come to Canada.
On May 27, after a long day of travelling, it would be a day of celebration. The sisters were reunited at the Regina International Airport.
Although they are happy to be together, they are worried about their parents. At this time, their parents wish to remain in Ukraine so they can help other people.
In Ukraine, one child must reside close to their parents. It is the responsibility of one child to look after their elderly parents. They only go into a nursing home if they have no family. So, this was not a light decision for Olesia to make, leaving her parents behind in a war-torn country.
Svitlana and Olesia speak daily with their parents. Olesia is trying to settle into her new life in Canada, but Olesia would return to Ukraine if her parents turned ill.
The family is incredibly grateful to the Kisbey community. They have received so much help and everything they needed to set up their new home.
Olesia’s boys have been Arcola School, just to meet the teachers, see the classrooms and get a feel of routine.
Ivan has found employment with Eagle Oilfield Services and Olesia will be cleaning the Kisbey Post Office.
While Svitlana works during the day, Olesia cares for the children. In the evenings it is Svitlana’s turn to care for the children while Olesia works.
Although the newly-arrived family is limited on the English language, they are very thankful for the kindness they have been shown.
