The “Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw” Facebook group brought Ukrainian newcomers together for a Christmas gathering on Dec. 18 at St. Andrew’s Church.
“We wanted to have an opportunity for the newcomers to get together, which they have not had a chance to do yet,” said group creator Christy Schweiger, who also is the MJM&AG education co-ordinator. “They are trying to get connected in the community and working and having their kids go to school.”
Schweiger says it’s a great opportunity to share and build some friendships and she is hoping the Ukrainian families who came to Moose Jaw find the city welcoming and consider it their home. She also hopes more people reach out to volunteer and help the newcomers.
Some of the newcomer expressed their appreciation.
“I want to thank Christy, Linda, Dan, and Garrett who helped my family travel from Ukraine here. I want to say to everybody to make a Ukrainian community here because when I came six years ago, there was nobody here from Ukraine. I felt like I was alone; nobody to speak with who could speak my language. Now I am very excited and thank you to all the Ukrainian community who came from war and find houses and friends here,” Olha Mamsyutknai said.
She has been living in Canada for six years and trying to help her family come to Canada from Ukraine.
“I was looking forward to this evening and I was really excited to meet everyone because some of the people I have met on the phone, and now (we are able to meet) each other in person. It was nice to see all the volunteers who made this happen,”said Daria Malezhyk Dasha.
She says Moose Jaw is very welcoming, friendly, supportive and helpful. Ukrainians went through so many difficulties and fear, and this community made it smooth and wonderful for them. She also says everyone made every effort to help them as the families are trying to settle down and adjust to their new environment.
“My children go to school and really like going to school even if they don’t speak English because everyone is friendly and nice to them. The start is positive for us.”
Natashy Iyvena said, “We are happy to meet and talk with the community because we [have not made] friends here yet, (and we do not have any relatives here now.) We are very excited; it’s a very good party.”
Santa brought gifts for the young children, and families celebrated singing their Ukrainian National Anthem.
“It’s just great to welcome these people who have been through so much hardship, and just great to see the community (coming together) with some of the newcomers,” Schweigner said.
