Residents of Kiwanis Village welcomed several Ukrainian newcomers to the community Saturday (Aug. 6) at the Ukrainian VillageB次元官网网址檚 grand opening.

In an effort to aid some of the most vulnerable Ukrainians fleeing violence B次元官网网址� including single mothers with children, seniors, people living with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community B次元官网网址� up to 45 people will now be able to take up temporary residence for free in the village.

The Ukrainian village is a product of the partnership between the Capital Regional District, Help Ukraine Vancouver Island, Kiwanis Club of Victoria, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian-Canadian Congress Victoria branch, Ukrainian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, and Victoria Foundation.

The new village is made up of 15 units, most of which are bachelor suites equipped with kitchenettes and bathrooms. ThereB次元官网网址檚 also a communal kitchen as well as a meeting area with a sunroom and television.

Newcomers will be able to stay in the village for up to three months, and possibly longer if needed.

B次元官网网址淲e really want this to be a space that supports these people in becoming independent, not just throwing them out on their own once their three months here in the village is up,B次元官网网址� said Devon Sereda Goldie, president of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Ukrainian-Canadian Congress branch.

The former assisted living residence has been leased to the Ukrainian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island B次元官网网址� which already runs the Ukrainian Cultural Centre B次元官网网址� for one year.

Liuba Moisieieva immigrated to Canada more than eight years ago. Like those escaping the war, Moisieieva understands the challenges of relocating to an entirely different society. ThatB次元官网网址檚 why sheB次元官网网址檒l be living in the village as the residence manager B次元官网网址� alongside her parents and nephew who recently arrived from Ukraine.

B次元官网网址淣o one was ready to come to Canada,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭his is very painful for all of us. Some came with just one backpack.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important having a clean and safe environment. People can speak Ukrainian and Russian and most importantly, feel at home.B次元官网网址�

READ MORE:

austin.westphal@saanichnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .