Community News – Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko

Canada, Here We Are – Exhibit On Display Until January 22nd

The Richmond Museum is currently showcasing the Canada, Here We Are Exhibit. This travelling exhibit, from the Royal BC Museum, tells the fascinating story of generations of Ukrainian Canadians in Canada. The exhibit closes on January 22, 2025. We have also partnered with the museum to provide on loan some of our Ukrainian artifacts for this exhibition.

Recently, the Richmond News did a feature article about the exhibit. Click on the following link to access the story: https://shorturl.at/ikCdb. More information about the exhibit can be found at: https://www.richmondmuseum.ca/whats-on.

Housing needed for displaced Ukrainians

Volunteers needed for Ukrainian Helpine Service

S.U.C.C.E.S.S (a settlement service) is in the process of implementing a Helpline Service for Ukrainians needing emotional support as they begin their life in Canada. Volunteers for a Ukrainian Helpline service are needed – see below and click on “Read More” for information.

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ON HOLD: Furniture, Household Items, and Clothing Donations

Currently, we are not accepting furniture, household items and clothing donations. We don’t have the space to store items at this time. We are grateful for all the donations we received and have been able to share with newly arrived Displaced Ukrainians.

Volunteer Opportunity – Ukrainian Interpreters Needed

The Richmond School District is looking for Ukrainian interpreters to provide language support for parent-teacher conferences. A 5-session training will be provided for qualified candidates. Interested candidates can contact Sarah Zhao via email at szhao@sd38.bc.ca OR phone her at 604-358-4921.

Resource for Displaced Ukrainians

MOSAIC: Settlement and Employment Services for Newcomers share a helpful resource for Displaced Ukrainians and services they provide to assist. https://mosaicbc.org/our-resource/resources-for-ukrainians/

Help For CUAET Visa Holders Announcement

Prescription Costs – On Sep 23, the Ministry of Health announced that Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with a Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) can receive 100% coverage of eligible prescription costs for one year under PharmaCare’s Plan C. News Release

Medical Diagnostic Testing Costs for Displaced Ukrainians – On Oct 3, the Ministry of Health announced that as of October 1, the Ministry of Health will be managing payment for the medical diagnostic test for CUAET visa holders. This means that CUAET holders will not have to pay out of pocket for the test costs. Those who have already paid for the testing can be reimbursed. News Release

Hosting Immigrants From Ukraine

Many displaced Ukrainians are now arriving and are needing temporary accommodation until they find something more permanent. At this moment, we do not have enough community offers to accommodate all the new arrivals.

You can identify yourself with S.U.C.C.E.S.S who provide settlement services to new immigrants and refugees. Please contact Peggy Lau, Director of Settlement and Families Services at: peggy.@success.bc.ca if you are interested in helping Displaced Ukrainian individuals or families needing a temporary place to stay.

Another option is to go to the BC Government Welcome Ukraine website. Scroll down and you will see I want to help people from Ukraine. There you will see a list of options for how you can help.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the process or we can also help connect you to our contacts who are working on placing new immigrants with host families.

Request For Help From The Richmond Food Bank

The Food Bank is having an influx of Displaced Ukrainians signing up for their services during their Saturday distributions (10:40 am to 2:00 pm) and there is a significant language barrier.

The Food Bank is looking for two translators that are fluent in Ukrainian to assist with newly arrived Ukrainians accessing services. Please click on the following link if you are interested in volunteering:

https://richmondfoodbank.org/volunteer/

B.C. Government Announces Financial Assistance For Displaced Ukrainians

Check out the following link for details of financial assistance for newly arrived Displaced Ukrainians:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022SDPR0044-001029