Barrie non-profit providing housing for Ukrainian Refugees
A local non-profit is going above and beyond to help Ukrainian refugees in Barrie.
IOOF Seniors Homes Inc. now provides housing for refugees coming to the city.
"Caring is our reason for being," said CEO Garry Hopkins. "We're assisting people who've been displaced because of such an atrocious event that's going on in Ukraine."
It all came to be when members of the Ukrainian Association of Barrie were looking for a new place to store their donations. The IOOF had a vacant space, so when Hopkins found out, he contacted them immediately.
On top of the sorting space, Hopkins offered up 12 apartments in an unoccupied seniors building that's set to be rebuilt next year. Five families have already moved in.
"Just to see their faces, the fact that they have a place to stay while they're trying to transition, it's what it's all about," he added.
The Ukrainian Association will also be opening a learning centre for the refugees in one of the empty rooms.
"It was absolutely perfect for us, we were over the moon," said Jane Harris, Ukrainian Association Volunteer. "When we were there, he said would you like some apartments and we were pretty gobsmacked by the whole thing."
The association is still accepting donations, particualrly furniture, sheets, bedding and kitchen supplies.
"They will have a chance to meet other kids, to learn, to play, just recover from the tragedy," said Oksana Yakusha, Ukrainian Association Chairman.
"We're partners in the community, and we have an opportunity to show some compassion and caring," says Hopkins.
Seven more families will move into the apartments over the coming days. The spaces will be available for them until they can find a more permanent solution.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.