Ukrainian refugees find help and hope in Newfoundland through Facebook group

When Iryna Khmelevskaarrived in Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, she wasn't sure whether St. John's would be her final destination.

The Ukrainian woman had narrowed her options toNewfoundland or Nova Scotia, but then she received a Facebook message from Marjorie Williams of St. John's and her choice was clear.

"From the very first glance, from the first messages we exchanged, I understood that the person is extremely kind hearted. Extremely sincere, really desiring to help,"KhmelevskasaidThursday.

Both women are members of theNewfoundland and Labrador Help/Host for Ukrainians Facebook group, which offers housing, employment and assistance to those looking to escape the war in Ukraine. The page has over 7,800 members.

Williams offered up her basement apartment on the page, and connected withKhmelevska, who seemed like a good fit for the home.

"I contacted her immediately, and she replied immediately," Williams said.

"She declined the first flight because she wanted to have a job first, which really says a lot about her. But I said to her 'No, no, no. Get on that plane. We will figure out the job later.' She got a seat on the plane, and here she is."

"It is absolutely by chance that Marjorie contacted me, and at the same time I learned there was going to be a charted flight from Poland organized by the government,"Khmelevska added. "I checked and they said,'Yes, there is still a seat on the plane,' and I decided simply to risk and try my chance. It's absolutely amazing because when I came here my choice was 100 per cent correct."

Khmelevskawas in Turkey at the start of the war, and hadto leave her family in Ukraine. Her mother and father are in the southeastern city ofZaporizhzhia, and she says the war's front line is gettingcloser every day.

"It's more than 76 days already the war is going on, and no one knows when it will end. I left behind my family. This is the most painful thing, because I don't know when I will see them again," she said.

Newfoundland couple opens home to Ukrainian woman fleeing war

2 years ago

Duration 2:04

A couple in St. John's has opened their home to a Ukrainian woman fleeing Russia's invasion.

But now that she is adjusting to life in Newfoundland,Khmelevskasaid she hopes she can share information with other Ukrainians who may be interested in coming to the province.

"Whenever I leave here, I'm going to be an ambassador to Newfoundland. Ukrainian people mainly go to big cities because they're from big cities in Ukraine. They don't know about Newfoundland too much," she said.

"The first impression, I fell in love in people, in nature, in what I have seen these first two days. So for now, it can be my home."

I think this is our new Come From Away story.- Michael Holden

Michael Holden, who created the Facebook group, said it's an amazing feeling to see how willing people are to help in any way they can.

"I think this is our new Come From Away story," he said, referring to the Broadway musical that tells the story of Newfoundlanders helping people who landed in Gander following the 9/11terrorist attacks.

"Our hospitality is probably what we do best. And that's what you see on this site happening."

Support continues to come from across the province, including at the Head Room Salon, where owner Trish Molloy is planning to offer a day of free haircuts and relaxation for Ukrainian refugees later this month.

"We want to take care of them and welcome them and make them know that they're part of our community," she said.

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