Ukrainian refugees in Okanagan brace for Christmas away from house | Globalnews.ca

For Ukrainians who fled their war-torn nation, the times main as much as Christmas will appear and feel completely different.

“Males who can serve within the military, they’re not allowed to go away the nation, so there are quite a lot of single girls with youngsters right here, so clearly they miss their husbands and fathers,” stated Denys Storozhuk, the Kelowna Stands with Ukraine President.

Some refugees who fled Ukraine did so with out their households, making this Christmas a tricky one to have a good time.

“It’s very troublesome to be away from house, in fact, daily I’m fascinated by house as a result of a part of my household stays in Ukraine,” stated Yuliia Garrdokozachuk, who moved to Kelowna from Ukraine two weeks in the past.

“Typically I really feel responsible as a result of I’m in a heat house with gentle and every little thing and so many individuals keep with out lights, with out meals.”

2:29
Supporting Ukraine and Iran with ‘Human Rights Drive’ in Kelowna

For Ukrainian refugee, Tina Danylova, who moved to Kelowna one month in the past, lately have been troublesome for her, along with her household nonetheless in Kyiv and circumstances solely getting worse.

“There was form of breakdown for me recently since (the battle) escalated a bit of bit extra, so, for a few days, there was a complete blackout with no water, no electrical energy, no connections,” stated Danylova.

“However (my mother and father) are okay now and I want they had been right here with me.”

The Kelowna Stands with Ukraine group is urging the group to assist Ukrainians in any approach they will, as a result of it won’t solely assist refugees within the Okanagan but in addition these in Ukraine.

“Individuals in Ukraine will actually admire it. I do know the tales when folks sleep within the snow as a result of their home is bombed out and so, it’s very troublesome,” stated Storozhuk.

The Kelowna Stands with Ukraine group plans to carry a celebration in January, which shall be open to the group. They’re additionally holding a toy drive each Tuesday from 4 p.m. to six p.m. on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.