Ukrainian families start new lives in Redwater

By Susan Johnson

            On May 12, 2022, Redwater welcomed two new families from Ukraine.  After a long and anxious journey, Oleksandr (Alex) and Anna Okun, with their two young children, Roman and Milana, began life in small-town Alberta.  They were also joined by another Ukrainian family, Olena Shevchenko (Lena) and her son, Glib.  Glib’s father had to stay behind in Ukraine due to martial law.

            On February 24, 2022, the families began their journey when Anna and Alex received a call from Alex’s brother informing them that the war with Russia had started.  They resided in the Sumy region of Ukraine, which is about 30 kilometres from the Russian border, and had about 20 minutes to gather their belongings and flee their home.  They could hear the military on both sides firing as they escaped the fighting.  Alex could see rockets overhead.  When describing the scene, Anna said, “It was like before a storm—the sound you could feel and hear in the air.”  It was very difficult just getting out of the city as the roads had already been destroyed.  The Okun family felt lucky, though, as the Russian military began blocking the roadways just four hours later, denying citizens passage to leave the area.

            The Okun’s continued their journey.  They drove and slept in their car when they could, continually moving.  At one point, they were stuck in a seven-hour traffic jam between Vinnytsia and Ternopil and had to wait 2-3 hours in a line-up for gas.  They kept driving, though, and two days later arrived in the bombed-out city of Ivano-Frankivsk, where they could rest and shower.  Alex and Anna took their young family to safety in Romania.  This meant they had to first wait for three days in line to cross the border, but Anna said, “It was happiness to have a shower and be out of the car even though the water was very cold!”

            On March 5, 2022, they left for Hungary.  Anna’s mother knew someone there who could find a safe refuge for two weeks.  At this time, the Okun’s met with Olena Shevchenko and her son, Glib.  Lena had a connection with people in Redwater, and two families quickly offered to sponsor the Okun’s and Shevchenko’s.  As an interpreter, Anna was able to help with the immigration documents, so the plans to move to Canada began.

            After their long and uncertain journeys, the two families arrived in Canada on May 12, 2022.  While the sponsor families waited at the airport for customs to be cleared, they noted that some Ukrainians were landing in Edmonton with nowhere to go except for two days of accommodation.  The Red Cross and a volunteer group were set up to help translate and welcome them, but they did not yet have sponsors or support in Canada.

            Alex and Anna have been overwhelmed by the welcome they have received from the community.  “Everyone is so helpful and supportive,” Alex said when asked about his first impressions.  Both families have been warmly welcomed by Dave McRae, the mayor of Redwater, their neighbours and many community members.  Roman Okun (8 years-old) and Glib Shevchenko (6 years-old) started school at Ochre Park School on May 17.  Roman and Glib were very excited when they returned home from their first day at their new school.  Playing with friends and attending school have been welcome changes from their recent experiences.  Little Milana Okun (2 ½ years-old) is at home and looking forward to meeting some new playmates. 

            The Okun’s and Shevchenko’s have a long, exciting road ahead of them.  Many community members have been asking how they can help the newcomers with their transition.  As a result, Dody Kluttig at Redwater Home Hardware has started a registry for them, listing any household items they will need.  When asked what they needed, they replied, “We have nothing, so we would be grateful for anything.”  They are also looking for employment in the community.  Alex Okun recently had his first Canadian job interview for an IT position.  Hopefully, it went well, and he gets the job.  Also, Olena Shevchenko is meeting with Janette from The Hairport as she has a nail technician certificate.  One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier, and Google Translate is their most commonly used communication tool.

            Redwater has done an outstanding job of welcoming their special, new residents to the community and helping them feel like they have found a new home.  Both families are thankful and moved by the friendliness and extra help.  With all of the local support, the Okun’s and Shevchenko’s are slowly adapting and settling in to their new way of life and looking forward to becoming Canadian citizens one day.