We are so happy to share Anna’s story on behalf of the Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR) in Ontario. Anna left Ukraine with her mother and daughter at the very start of the war. She was fortunate to have family in Canada and made the long journey from Ukraine to Poland and then to Canada. Her husband was unable to join her as the men had to stay in the country. Her story is that of so many Ukrainian refugee women that need to find a way to start a life and support their family in Canada. These are stories of resilience. Anna found support at CCSYR as a client, gave back as a volunteer, and eventually was offered employment where she now helps others.
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Full video transcript:
I’m from Ukraine, immigrated from war to Canada with my mom and with my daughter, one year and two months ago. We immigrated from Ukraine to Poland. 50 hours in a bus. And after that, from Poland to Canada. It was a long way. Men from 18 to 60 can’t cross the border and my husband must stay in the country. Our family was together for 14 years, and when the war started, it was something new for us to be separated. It’s a big challenge for us now, for me, for my daughter. Who knows in what time and what date and what year we will be together.
Our immigration process was very urgent: one luggage and let’s go. That is why it’s a big challenge, without money, without husband, who knows what will be in the future. My brother in Canada asked us to come to Canada because he worried about my family. He said you should be safe Canada is a more safe country than some countries in Europe. My brother invited us to live in his house. And we were living in the basement. It’s not so easy.
I looked for an organization who can support us like immigrants. We are in the York region and CCSYR is a famous organization in York region who supports immigrants: mental health questions, work permit, OHIP, SIN number. They can support us. That is why I started with CCSYR as a client. CCSYR is Catholic Community Service in York Region. They support me in the question with my diploma and with courses who provide customer service. My English was poor. I trained with this and heard music read books, and of course watching films, and speaking with my daughter because my daughter started learning English from childhood. I asked her, let’s speak English.
After that, I started as a volunteer in CCSYR. They decided that I have good communication skills and I like people. I understand people. Now my job in CCSYR is community navigator, in the Community Engagement Team. CCSYR involves so many professionals who speak Ukrainian language and we prepare and have great support for newcomers from Ukraine.
My advice for newcomers is not to be afraid of the challenges. We are here to support and help you to begin your new chapter in life. As easy as possible. CCSYR is here for you.
I hope our history here in Canada will be successful and we receive so many new skills. Maybe we will rebuild our country all together. One day we will be back and rebuild new Ukraine. More powerful, more modern and safe.