New Ukrainian refugee families continue to arrive

This section is
Presented

This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.

by West Brant Window World

Breadcrumb Trail Links

  1. News
  2. Local News

Household items needed to help newcomers

Oleg Stepus, left, was assisted on some of his recent deliveries to Ukrainian refugees by Vlad Piasetskiy and Vasiliy Chykalenko, men who were helped by the Full Gospel Slavic Church last year.
Oleg Stepus, left, was assisted on some of his recent deliveries to Ukrainian refugees by Vlad Piasetskiy and Vasiliy Chykalenko, men who were helped by the Full Gospel Slavic Church last year. Photo by Submitted

Article content

Ukrainian families fleeing the war in their own country continue to land in Brantford where a small church is making big efforts to help them resettle.

Advertisement 2

Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Irene Stepus, who along with her pastor husband, Oleg, is helping in the process, said there have been some large families arriving and the Full Gospel Slavic Church is struggling to meet all the needs of the newcomers.

“There was a scare that (Canada’s) program would close by the end of March so it had a snowball effect,” said Stepus. “We’ve got quite a few families coming in April and some of them quite big. A family of eight settled here last week and three more families of six are coming.”

That’s putting pressure on the little church where all the members work full-time and are trying to provide assistance whenever possible. Stepus said one person helps with school registrations, another works to get the new arrivals their health cards.

Article content

Advertisement 3

Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Oleg Stepus generally takes every Saturday to go out and collect large donations of furniture and deliver them to the new arrivals.

Others sort through the incoming donations of household goods. “Everyone has a niche.” The church has risen to the challenge over the last year helping about 150 refugees get settled, find jobs, go to school and improve their English.

Most of the adults are now working. But the needs don’t stop. The church is posting the most pressing needs on a Facebook page and asking for public donations of household goods.

Irene Stepus says one of the most critical issues is finding jobs for women who only have minimal English skills. “The other issue is apartments. People want credit checks and these people don’t have any credit history in Canada.

Advertisement 4

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“And it’s always good to have food gift cards because we want to make sure they have food for the first couple of weeks.” The church is also collecting all kitchenware items – especially potato mashers – sheets, comforters, blankets and new pillows. “We have no tables left whatsoever.

We have two families coming Saturday and no table. Somebody always needs something.”

Ivan and Katarina Ianiuk, right, recently settled into a Brantford apartment with the assistance of Pastor Oleg Stepus (left) and the Full Gospel Slavic Church. Katerina recently gave birth to a baby boy.
Ivan and Katarina Ianiuk, right, recently settled into a Brantford apartment with the assistance of Pastor Oleg Stepus (left) and the Full Gospel Slavic Church.

Katerina recently gave birth to a baby boy.

Stepus said one retired couple has been helping for the last year by going out to thrift stores to source specific needs and local store Mattress Miracle has supplied numerous mattresses to the new families. Donations can be dropped off at the Full Gospel Slavic Church at 70 Superior St. on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., or Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. The church is especially grateful for grocery gift cards, dining room tables and chairs, sofas and bed frames.

It’s also eager to get heaters, coffee tables, dressers, and all small household items and kitchen needs. At this time it’s not taking clothing donations, used pillows or large, old televisions. Pickup of large items can usually be arranged.

Call Stepus at 519-209-3856. For more information, go to Slavic Full Gospel Church on Facebook. [email protected]

@EXPSGamble

Share this article in your social network

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful.

We have enabled email notifications–you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments.

Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

Join the Conversation

Advertisement 1

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Tags:

buy-sheds-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukgetting-personal listed on couponmatrix.uknicholson-s-pubs listed on couponmatrix.uknorth-east-tackle-supplies listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-roman-baths listed on couponmatrix.ukstubhub listed on couponmatrix.uk
buy-sheds-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukFind every shed and garden building your heart could desire, when you shop with Buy Sheds Direct. They’ve been helping customers find sturdy and specialist products since 2005 and you could be next! Everything is an amazing price already, but with your Buy Sheds Direct discount codes you can save even more. Pick up garden storage, a new summer house, greenhouses or playhouses. There is so much possibility for your land, make the most of it with Buy Sheds Direct.
getting-personal listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you think a unique bond warrants a unique present, then Getting Personal is the shop for you. Specialising in tailored gifts, customised cards and photo embossed souvenirs, every offering made at Getting Personal is one of a kind. Keep a Getting Personal voucher code to hand and secure savings as high as half price on your gift of choice – whether you opt for something practical, imaginative or ornamental.
nicholson-s-pubs listed on couponmatrix.ukPutting passion in pubs as far back as 1873, Nicholson’s know their way around a pouring tap and how best to complement it with some stellar pub grub. Stocking a varied palette of British craft beers alongside numerous wine vintages and spirits to sample, some Nicholson’s Pubs vouchers can go a long way towards cutting the cost of your accompanying meal or bagging two tipples for the price of one.
north-east-tackle-supplies listed on couponmatrix.ukNorth East Tackle offers a wide range of fishing supplies, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. So whether you're just getting started in the world of fishing or you're a seasoned pro, be sure to check out North East Tackle for all your fishing needs. And don't forget to use our discount code to save! Here at Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes and deals on the products and services you love. And when it comes to fishing supplies, North East Tackle is one of our top merchants. So be sure to check back often for the latest North East Tackle discount codes. With our help, you can get the gear you need to make the most of your next fishing trip—without breaking the bank! If you're in the market for a new fishing reel, North East Tackle has you covered. Their selection of rods includes something for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers. Best-selling products include the Mimicry Mirage Comfort Suit Thermo, a water and weatherproof suit to protect you from the elements. So whether you're looking for a basic model or something with all the bells and whistles, be sure to check out North East Tackle's selection of fishing reels. And don't forget to use our North East Tackle discount code to save!
the-roman-baths listed on couponmatrix.ukTravel back in time and experience one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world when you visit the Roman Baths. Thanks to the unique thermal springs bringing natural hot water to the site, you can discover for yourself why this landmark was so important to the Romans when they settled in Bath and, with your Roman Baths discount, your visit will cost less than ever. Explore the ancient site and wonder at the original structures and artefacts with a visit to the Roman Baths.
stubhub listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're looking to get tickets for top events and gig across the UK, StubHub is the place to get them. The world's largest ticket marketplace has over 10 million tickets available for live sports, music and theatre events in more than 40 countries. With their easy to use desktop computer and mobile site they allow experience seekers to buy and sell tickets whenever and wherever they are. They sell an astonishing 1.3 million tickets a second and have more than 100 million visitors to their website every year. Ensure you get to see the concert, sporting event or theatre show you want to see with StubHub and a special deal from Groupon.