Ukrainian family flees war for safety in Barrie, Ont.
Alex Konstantinovski is grateful to have his sister out of Ukraine and safely under the roof of his Barrie, Ont. home.
"She could not stay any longer. It just came to a point when it was the time to pull the pin and evacuate and literally to flee that area."
Konstantinovski's sister, Olena, and her husband escaped their homeland with their four-year-old son at the last possible moment when it became clear staying was no longer safe.
The family fled to Poland and France, then to Canada, where they had an emotional reunion with their loved ones.
"I'm so happy and so appreciate the Canadian government and all the authorities and officials to make it possible."
With her brother translating, Olena said she doesn't know when she will return home.
"We need to stop that war and genocide there in Ukraine, and then, my sister and her family will feel completely safe."
Olena, a journalist and documentary-filmmaker, said the Russians now occupy their hometown since the invasion more than a month ago, and she has been unable to reach friends back home.
She and her husband are learning English and looking for work.
"Olena says that she appreciates Canada made a decision to offer a work permit to Ukrainians fleeing the war zone," Konstantinovski said.
"Ukrainians are hardworking people, and they're ready to apply their skills and time and dedication and talents to be part of this great country," he added.
Their cousin, 17-year-old Alex, arrived in Barrie a few weeks ago and plans to study here.
It's a harsh reality not knowing when he will see his family and friends in Ukraine again, knowing this could be a one-way trip.
"Getting to understand that it's not just a trip to Canada. It's for long, for very long. I'm not going to see my family for half a year, at least, maybe longer."
The Konstantinovski's are finalizing plans to bring more family members trapped in Ukraine with no other option but to abandon their homes to safety in Canada.
DONATION EFFORTS FOR UKRAINE
Meanwhile, the support for those struggling in Ukraine continues to pour in across the country, including Barrie.
On Tuesday night, volunteers sorted countless boxes of donations of needed items at St. John Vianney Parish.
The effort started with just a few members of the local Ukrainian community but has since broadened.
For the volunteers who are of Ukrainian descent, many with family still overseas, the efforts are deeply touching.
"I feel anger. I'm angry, but I wouldn't say that I feel really helpless because I see the support of the community in Barrie and in Canada and all around the world. I believe that Ukrainians see the support," said volunteer Artem Iermak.
"They receive donations. They receive some other support, and they feel they are not alone, and many people stand together with Ukraine to help Ukraine to win this war."
The group works with several volunteer organizations in Toronto that then ship the items to volunteer groups based in Poland and Lviv.
With files from CTV's Dana Roberts
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.