Eastern Ontario town supports Ukrainians fleeing war zone

A daughter's effort to bring her mother, brother and sister safely to Canada from Ukraine has mobilized other people in a small town near Ottawa to do what they can to help.

Mary Mokrushyna and her partner ZackNethery say they're now helping other Ukrainian families connect with people in Carleton Place, Ont.,who are willing to open up their homes to those fleeing the war.

"The goal would be to bring as many people as we can, bring them out of the crisis area, and then resettle them here," Nethery said.

Mokrushyna, who moved to Canada from Ukraine in 2018 for school, said she doesn't want people leaving her home country to feel any guilt about asking others for help.

"I think if there is a safe place for you, you should go, and if you want to come to Canada we're going to do our best to try and help you," she said.

The federal government is waiving most typical visa requirements and is prepared to welcome an "unlimited number" of Ukrainians fleeing the war, according to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

Outpouring of support

Carebridge Community Support, asocial services agency in Carleton Place'sLanark County, is helpingMokrushyna and Nethery collect financial donations to help cover flight costs and other expenses. The pair is also collecting donations of used clothing and household items.

Their home is currently bursting at the seams with items dropped off by people in the community.

"It's almost overwhelming. We weren't expecting an eighth of what we got in terms of monetary donations, items, just support in the town itself," Nethery said.

One woman is making and selling Ukrainian face masks and donating the proceeds, Nethery said, and children at the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre are selling handmade hats, scarves and bracelets to raise money.

Lawyers and doctors in town have also offered up their services pro bonofor arriving Urkainians, he added.

A mother's journey

It all started with Mokrushyna's mother, Olga Ialovenkowho, like so many Ukrainians, fled the country withonly what she could fit in acar.

After a treacherous journey last month, Ialovenko was able to safely cross out of Ukraine at the Hungarian border.

She and her two other children, ageseight and 12, then made their way to Warsaw, where they're living with friends while waiting for visas.

Ialovenko, who has spent about 14 years doing charity work with the Rotary Club, said it's difficult for her to accept helpbut she's beenoverwhelmed by the support and messages comingfrom people in Carleton Place.

"The people, you are incredible, you are absolutely awesome. What you are doing, it means a lot for me and for those who are standing right behind me," shesaid.

According to the United Nations, more than twomillion refugees have crossed into neighbouring countriesfrom Ukrainethe fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.

Mokrushyna and Netherysaid they will speakFriday night during a Light for Ukraine event at the Market Square in Carleton Place, whichbegins at 7 p.m., to honour and show support for Ukrainian people.