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As more and more displaced Ukrainians make their way to the Regina area to make a new life, for the long or short term, they’re needing some help in getting set up.
“A lot of them have been having to escape really horrible situations very quickly, or having to move around and be in other countries first, and it’s just very difficult to keep anything but the absolute what they need at the moment as they’ve been fleeing,” explained Dana Lesiuk, the volunteer co-ordinator for a new donation centre in Regina.
Lesiuk said the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Ukrainian National Federation have been accepting donations for a while, so they have some things — but more is needed.
She explained the need as things that a person would want when they first move out. The list includes bedding, towels, tablecloths, laundry baskets, furniture — including kitchen tables and chairs — working appliances, electronics and housewares, as well as toys and sports equipment.
“(We’ll take) anything that would help out to begin and start fresh because a lot of them are coming with nothing and their dollar isn’t worth much here. They need time to learn the language, so it’s really helpful to have anything that’s like a startup kit almost,” said Lesiuk.
What is most needed right now are unopened and unexpired cleaning supplies, toiletries and baby supplies. Lesiuk said they’re pretty full when it comes to clothing right now, so that’s not at the top of the list.
They’re looking for things that are new or in almost-new condition.
“Some things we have to get new so we’re also looking for Walmart gift cards or places where you can get necessities that are brand new, or even cash donations for basics in food, that sort of thing,” explained Lesiuk.
Lesiuk said the list of needs will grow and change as they learn more about the families that are here and what they need.
The donation centre is at the Stockton Building at REAL District, previously known as Evraz Place. It’s next open on Saturday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The Ukrainians she has spoken with already are grateful and wonderful people, according to Lesiuk.
“It’s very difficult for them to also take charity because they are not used to this and they’re very proud and they like to work for everything, so a lot of them are refusing to take stuff unless they help out with the centre,” she said.
Lesiuk is a second-generation Canadian whose family on both sides came from Ukraine, so she’s close to the country and the culture; she travelled there in 2019 and called it a beautiful and amazing country.
“Just to see what’s happening now, I couldn’t not do anything about it,” said Lesiuk. “It’s a lot better to do something than to worry. It helps to alleviate that sort of pain.”
Lesiuk was grateful to REAL District for giving them the space for the donation centre, as well as the Regina community and Ukrainian community within the city for their generosity and goodwill so far.
“When you know what they’ve gone through, it seems like you just can’t do enough to try to help,” said Lesiuk.
🚨 Attention Regina 🚨
The Ukrainian National Federation Regina Branch & @ReginaUCC have set up a donation centre for those displaced by the war in Ukraine.
It is located at the REAL District Stockman Building (at the end of Pasqua St., south off of Dewdney Ave.)
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— REAL District (@REALDistrictyqr) July 15, 2022
Other Items needed (new or like-new condition):
📌 Clothing/footwear
📌 Bedding, towels, tablecloths & laundry baskets
📌 Furniture, working appliances, working newer electronics & housewares
📌 Toys & sporting equipmentYour donations are highly appreciated.@ReginaUCC
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— REAL District (@REALDistrictyqr) July 15, 2022