ESTEVAN — Yuliia Andrieieva, whose family consisting of Volodymyr, Violetta and Volodymyr Jr. came to Estevan in 2022 after fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, said local organizations and the community made their first Christmas in Canada "really great".
Andrieieva contacted the Mercury to share their gratitude to all the organizations and local people that helped them have a real festive table for the family and many gifts for their two kids to unwrap.
"Many volunteers made this happen, and we are so grateful to everyone. Our holidays were filled with surprises," Andrieieva wrote. "They helped us and our kids have a really festive Christmas, the kids had many gifts and we had a pleasant night. They helped us with all groceries we needed for the Christmas table.
"I'm not a writer, but I couldn't leave it without attention because for me what people in Estevan have done for us brings tears to my eyes. I didn't know a better way to thank them and wish everyone happy holidays."
The Andrieiev family received support from Rapid Relief Team (RRT), Estevan Sunflower Network, the Estevan Community Hamper Association and Angel Tree, and through those organizations, from everyone in the community who donated and supported their programs.
The RRT and the hamper association provided them with groceries for Christmas and the following days, and the Angel Tree had gifts, items for stockings and pyjamas for children. Andrieieva said all that support meant so much to them and added that other newcomer Ukrainian families are also very grateful for the help.
"For our kids, this Christmas was the happiest ever," Andrieieva said. "We didn't expect anything at all, but they got unusually many gifts and our table was beautiful. The entire Christmas was very different from how it was in Ukraine. Thanks to Canadians for making this Christmas so great for us."
She said many things came as pleasant surprises for them. Outside the generosity and support from the organizations, other surprises came from the community. For example, their school bus driver stopped by to wish the kids a merry Christmas and give them some gifts.
"Our Christmas turned out indeed festive like never before," Andrieieva said.
Andrieieva added that when they went to pick the gifts for kids from the Angel Tree's Toy Store, Estevan Sunflower invited a woman named Val who has Ukrainian heritage and remembers some Ukrainian to help newcomers who speak no English communicate with volunteers, which made it even more special.
"I wanted to especially thank Val for helping with interpreting. It was really heartful and valuable," Andrieieva said.
Andrieieva said that they are also very grateful for all the help and support they received from the Estevan Sunflower Network throughout their experience in Estevan.
