It's never easy leaving your community or home country, especially when you are going to a place with a different language or different culture. 

More than 40 Ukrainian families have arrived in Southeastern Manitoba this year, and that’s why everyone has been working extra hard on building community. 

Recently, a get-together was organized at K.R. Barkman Park where around 80 people were able to share a meal, share their stories, and build connections within the community.  

Chris Goertzen, who is on the settlement task force, explains that it's been very a difficult process for many refugees trying to establish a new life here in the Southeast, but at the same time, they are thankful that our community has been welcoming them with open arms and trying their best to help. 

“Whether it's through donations or through simply trying to create connections, it's been really encouraging for them to have that warm experience that they've had. And even though it's not easy to come to a new place, I think many people in the Southeast have done a very good job of trying to make that a little bit easier at least.” 

Even refugees who aren’t here yet are already able to build connections. There are more people who are looking to come to Canada already talking to the people living here. Goertzen is looking forward to bringing more refugees into safety and warmly welcoming them into our community. 

“Often when you have people connected to others who are still looking to come to Canada, they will know of the positive experience they've had here in the Southeast, and so more will come, and it's great. We want to make sure that they have a secure, stable place to build their families and rebuild their lives.” 

Goertzen informs that he is certain there will be events similar to this one in the future to continue nurturing connections between people. 

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