As the number of Ukrainian refugees who will be settling in Huron and Perth counties in the coming weeks remains unclear, the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron is continuing to do everything it can to ensure those refugees are taken care of when they arrive.
Since the actual number of Ukrainian refugees who will be settling across the region remains unclear, the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron is asking area residents to continue supporting its fundraising efforts to ensure they’re taken care of when they arrive.
In just the first two weeks of the association’s Ukrainian refugee fundraising campaign, locals have contributed nearly $25,700. In addition, association executive director Dr. Gezahgn Wordofa said 49 homeowners across both Perth and Huron counties have offered temporary housing to the incoming refugees, some for as short as a month or two to help them get on their feet while others for as long as two years, when some estimate displaced Ukrainians might be able to return home.
Wordofa also said more than 89 association volunteers have stepped up to help clean and furnish the temporary housing that will be available for refugee families.
“This is a very good success for our communities in both counties,” Wordofa said. “People have donated from everywhere. We are very glad. Me, my board, my financial committee, we are very, very happy.”
Wordofa said he has been working with government and Ukrainian organizations in the province to settle Ukrainian families wherever temporary housing is available in Huron and Perth counties. With details still emerging around the federal government’s emergency immigration program that will allow Ukrainian refugees to apply for temporary Canadian residency for up to three years, Wordofa said the association is focused on raising as much money, securing as much housing and purchasing as many supplies as possible before the refugees arrive.
Donations to the campaign can be made by visiting www.maph.ca. Anyone who wants to offer temporary housing or other supports is asked to either call 1-888-308-6247 or email [email protected]. Those who offer temporary housing must first pass a criminal record check before they can be added to the association’s housing inventory for Ukrainian refugees.
Residents of Huron and Perth counties can also donate can and bottle deposits at The Beer Store locations across both counties, as well as through the association’s ongoing Krispy Kreme donut fundraiser. For more information on how and where to donate, visit the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron’s Facebook page.