Ukrainian families settling in Nova Scotia are grateful for their support

When Alex and Julia Peleperizia went on their honeymoon in Cyprus, they didn't expect to go home again, but the day after they jumped out, RussiaUkraine

"Our honeymoon was only one day, but after that I was very nervous," said Alex Perepelytsia.

Read more:More than 300 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion have arrived in Halifax

"The news we read every day, calling our neighbors, our parents are afraid of their lives."

The newlyweds choose to buy a return flight to Poland instead of returning to Ukraine. did. Canada emergency travel visa.

"We chose to come to Canada, because in reality Poland is attacked by Russians (" I think it will be a (next) country. They talk a lot about it, "said Alex.

The couple is one of the hundreds of Ukrainians who landed in Nova Scotia after fleeing their homeland. Some were brought on government-approved flights, while others were overcome in their own way.

Olga Pinda fled Ukraine with her son Vlad and bought a ticket to come to Halifax from Poland. She says leaving Ukraine was a difficult decision — her husband and parents stayed behind — but she ensures that her 13-year-old son can continue his education. I chose to leave for.

"In Ukraine, it is no longer possible to go to school normally," Pinda said.

"His school was bombed and destroyed."

Pynda said he chose to come to Nova Scotia because he has an extended family living in the countryside. In the end, I decided to settle in Halifax, hoping for a better job prospect.

"I'm trying to find something that matches her previous experience," she said. rice field.

"I work in marketing, communication and advertising."

After finding a job, the next challenge is to find a home, but for now, Pinda is her. And thank you for finding the host who took her son.

"It's a nice place that's very warm and cozy," she said.

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Marilyn Sydney has embraced Ukrainian families, provided food and shelter, and supported them. One of a hundred Nova Scotians. She calms down.

"My daughter was the first to propose it," said Sydney, who lives alone.

"It seemed perfect, I've always accepted international students through St. Mary's (before the pandemic)."

Sydney has Olga and Vlad at home I say it's a good thing. They like playing cards together and she says it's easy for the two to get along.

"I love it," she said.

"A great cook (of Olga). I enjoyed trying Borsch for the first time."

 HRM no longer has a host

Many Ukrainians and host families have been connected through a volunteer-led Facebook group, Ukrainian hosts in Atlantic Canada.

This group was created by Carol Ales, who lives in New Brunswick.

"I couldn't find a place to host in New Brunswick, so I wanted to help, so I started."

This page has 11,000 people. Demand is the most popular in urban areas, although it has grown to more than a member and has helped hundreds of Ukrainians connect with hosts on the Atlantic coast of Canada.

"We have run out of hosts virtually everywhere on public transport," said Ailes, who encourages Ukrainians to consider staying with more rural hosts. rice field.

However, Halifax is a popular spot for many Ukrainians who want to stay in big cities. Without a host, it means that many people are left to look for accommodation elsewhere. This can be difficult.

"I know it's a difficult situation to rent here," says Alex Perepelytsia.

He and his wife are still looking for long-term accommodation, but he says he was lucky to find support in the meantime.

"I found him on CouchSurfing in the first place we were staying," Alex said.

The couple sent a message an hour before boarding the plane to Halifax and received a response when they landed.

"He told us," Yeah, of course I can host you, for a moment I clean your room, "Alex said.

Their host picked them up at the airport and allowed them to stay for a few nights.

"It was 11 pm. (When we arrived) very late, no problem, he decided to help us."

Then the couple I borrowed Airbnb and asked ISAN and YMCA for help. The two organizations helped place them in Dalhousie's residence for five weeks.

"It's a great room," Alex said. "So now we have time to look for some rental properties."

While they are looking for rental properties, the pair is also looking for a job and an English class at YMCA in the fall. I am planning to attend. In Ukraine, Alex is a lawyer and his wife worked in finance, but the couple says they are open to any job opportunity here.

People who came to Canada as the war intensified in Ukraine Continue to be concerned about their family going home. Some, like Olga and Vlad, want to come back when things settle down, while others, like Alex and Julia, are trying to settle permanently in Canada.

Both pairs say they are overwhelmed by the generosity and willingness to support Canadians.

"Amazing. A big country like Canada is very nice for immigrants," Alex said.

"I didn't see the same for immigrants from other countries."

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