Page 25 - D18567 - LBMAO - Reporter - Sept-Oct 2022 - web optimized

Canadian soccer balls – the perfect fit
in this scenario! Rodion’s room was
themed in hockey and race cars as he
had expressed an interest in that regard.
The parents were warmly welcomed by
a lovely duvet covered with sunflowers
(their national flower) and pictures
around the room of their family here
and at home. We added a basket of
essentials – soap, toothbrushes, Kleenex
and so forth. And then, we waited!
With approvals in place Katya and
Vova made air travel arrangements
for the family plus “Rosa” their cat
(who apparently has an International
Passport and Visitor Permit)! Save for
tracking down their luggage which was
tagged for Montreal – all went well!
And honestly, it was totally wonderful
to finally meet face-to-face – that was
pure joy! When we finally arrived in
Kincardine that night, their joy at finding
a warm soft spot to lay their heads at
long last was certainly equal to ours!
As Hosts, there is no monetary
support from the Government – any
funding available goes directly to the
Family. The CUAET Visa provides $3,000
per adult and $1,500 for those under 18.
It is meant to help with rent and daily
living and to bridge the gap between
their arrival and employment. There
are other programs of assistance that
can help as well but it takes some time
to establish/qualify for them – including
child tax credits which are not available
until 18 months after entry.
We have been successful in helping
register the children for school.
The teachers have been incredibly
supportive and as a result the children
are flourishing – enjoying classes
and making friends – we could ask
for nothing more! While Rodion and
Kostya were in school, we trekked where Harv enjoying playtime with Bennett and Seva
necessary to acquire SIN Numbers,
Ontario Health Cards, and Drivers and no friends. Supportive people seems to have a few of those and
Licences. It has been our pleasure are absolutely essential to helping probably building a credit history will
as well to be part of a newly formed a family transition from isolation to be one of those hurdles right off the bat
group of helpful Kincardine citizens feeling a valued and integral part of the particularly as they prepare to rent or
arranging a regular “Drop-In Evening” Community at large. purchase a future home.
for all Ukrainians in the area - including The challenges have been relatively As you can imagine, it has been an
those who speak Ukrainian, and those few for this family and if you ask what exceptionally crazy few weeks – like
interested in helping. The latter is truly the biggest issue was, they will tell building a house and trying to meet
most important, as Katya and Vova, you simply adjusting to “peace”. No the deadline but you are already two
like so many others that arrive from doubt, there will be some hiccups weeks late! They are really enjoying
around the world, have no family here along the way, as almost every process life in Kincardine and are amazed at the

www.lbmao.on.ca LBMAO Reporter - September-October 2022 25