Just over an hour east of Regina sits Lemberg Saskatchewan. In just a few days the small community of 300 will be welcoming two families who have fled war torn Ukraine and are now making Saskatchewan home.
Community member Rick Pattison spear headed an effort to rally support for the families.
“A group of us got together in town and decided we needed to do something for our friends in Ukraine. In the last month we have nailed down one family that will arrive on Sunday and a second family at a later point. We’re excited about it. We have offered funding for the first two families to settle, including accommodations and a vehicle.” Pattison adds that employment for the first few families will also be provided, “we wanted to give them a new breath of life.”
Pattison hopes that the newly arriving families will find similarities between the culture of Saskatchewan and the culture of Ukraine.
“Lemberg was a predominantly German settled area, however there are many with Ukrainian descent. The name Lemberg is the German name for the city of L’viv, which is a major community in Ukraine. There is a fair bit of history between Ukraine and even the town of Lemberg.
Pattison says they will be hoping for more families to come to the community in the future. Plans are in the works for a third family. Giving these new members of the community is something Rick feels is important.
The first of the families is set to arrive on Sunday. Lemberg has an apartment ready for them and will be holding a meal for the family in the commons area to welcome them.
Pattison adds that the generosity of the people in the community could be felt. The initial call for donations netted far more than was needed.
“The community is behind this 100%. Donations are coming in. When we called for furniture and necessities we received more than we could take. The community is behind them in donations, but also in funds. We are considering a fundraiser in the future now that seeding is done.”
Pattison spoke to the giving nature of Saskatchewan communities – and invited other communities who may be interested in bringing Ukrainian families to Saskatchewan.
“We’re all the same, other communities are caring and giving. If communities have an interest in bringing Ukrainian families over – please call us. We’d be happy to help stir them through the hurdles. It’s really not that difficult once you get into it.”
