Urgent need for furniture to help establish homes for Ukrainian refugees

As we come up to the one-year marker since Russia invaded Ukraine, people in southeastern Manitoba continue to support refugees who are moving to our community. 

Denis Vassart with the Ukrainian Settlement Task force says it is encouraging to see the donations are still coming in to help furnish homes for these families. 

Although the requests are slowing down, Vassart says their supplies have diminished and more donations are needed. 

“In the last week or so, the requests have slowed down a little bit, but they aren't able to fulfill every order they have so far,” he says. “And people are still coming so requests will still keep coming but I think we should be looking at putting some stock back into their warehouse and if people have stuff, we would certainly appreciate it being brought there.” 

Vassart says residents continue to show kindness and support for people fleeing the devastation in Ukraine and have already helped over 80 refugee families get settled in the Steinbach area. 

Reflecting on the successes of the settlement task force, Vassart says the local Ukrainian community has been instrumental in these efforts. 

“We have about four (Ukrainian) members on our task force that are very involved and in touch with the Ukrainian newcomers as well as the local Ukrainian community.” 

He did not expect this war to last as long as it has and appreciates the many people who are working together in supporting people in Ukraine. 

“Some people are still in war zones and are in serious danger, and some of them are trying to get out and are not able to at this time,” he notes. “And the ones that have been able to get out and come to Manitoba, and in our area, are very thankful to be out of there and concerned about the relatives and those that are still there.” 

While Vassart is amazed at the continued local support, he is not surprised, saying that he has seen incredible generosity over the years. 

Household donations are still needed to help Ukrainian refugees settle in the Steinbach area. 

Bring your items to the Southland Church Distribution Centre Tuesday, February 21st from 5pm-8pm, and during the evenings of March 7th and 21st.

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.