Help more Ukrainian refugee families settle in the Southeast

While many Ukrainian refugee families have already settled in Steinbach and area, more families are coming, and more help is needed. 

Denis Vassart put out an urgent call last month for more donations of household items, and he says the generosity of locals continues to amaze him. 

“Whether it's donating furniture or money or offering assistance, the rental agencies, and the homeowners and those that have apartments or spare rooms, or that type of thing, stepping up to help out people fleeing that the disaster in the war that that struck Ukraine,” says Vassart. “It is very humbling to me, I can't believe that people are that willing to step up and give, again and again.” 

Vassart says enough donations were made to support approximately eight families who are starting a new life in the Steinbach area. 

He greatly appreciates those who have also offered space, either renting homes to newcomers, or offering spare rooms in their own homes. 

“Host families have stepped up in the past, and they're still doing it for folks that when they come, don't have a place to stay. It's just amazing to see all that all that stuff happen.” 

Vassart says the local Ukrainian Settlement Task Force is not letting up, as there are more refugee families arriving in the Southeast. 

If you did not make it to the donation days last month, you can drop off household items on Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm at Southland Church, look for signs that indicate the distribution centre. 

Specific areas of need for donation: dressers, chests of drawers, twin, double and queen mattresses and box springs, bedding for those mattresses, nightstands, end tables, dining tables and chairs and couches. 

Items that will be accepted: 
Furniture items we will take (please no stained/ripped/broken items): 
Beds/Mattresses/Cribs/Bassinets 
Dressers 
Sofas/Loveseats 
Coffee tables/end tables 
Dining tables & chairs 
Household items we will accept: 
Dish sets 
Cutlery sets 
Kitchen utensils (serving spoons, spatulas, whisks, egg flipper, manual can openers, etc.) 
Mixing bowls 
Cookware (pots & pans/casserole dishes) 
Baking sheets 
Bedding (sheets, blankets, quilts, pillowcases, etc. NO PILLOWS PLEASE) 
Kitchen/bath linens (tea/hand/bath towels, dishcloths 
Clothing 
Clothing for men, women & children of all ages 
Coats & Jackets (all seasons) 
Shoes & boots 

Monetary donations be made at Southland Church for charitable donation receipt. Cheques to be made payable to Southland Church, with Ukraine Fund specified in the memo line.