(file photo/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Catholic School Division to support Ukrainian refugees

May 9, 2022 | 5:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Beginning mid-May, approximately 34 Ukrainian refugees will be making their way to Medicine Hat, thanks to some help from the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education.

The catholic school division was approached by the Pallister School Division in Lethbridge to offer support, and it was an offer they could not refuse

” Like many people, we were watching what was going on, on the television and on the news, and like many people we wondered, ‘how can we help?,” said Superintendent Dwayne Zarichny

Upon collaborating with the Palliser School Division, The catholic school division quickly went to work, arranging host families that he refugees will be staying in.

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“The initial plan with these families is that they will be hosted for three months, and if they decide to stay, Canada has extended a three year permit for the Ukrainians that come here because of the war. So they can come for three years, and they can apply for citizenship and so on. But the intent in the first few months is to really give them an opportunity to come in, get settled, find a job and find a new place to live,” he said.

Of the 34 refugees set to arrive in Medicine Hat 28 are children. Zarichny said, once those children are settled, the Catholic Board of Education will work to provide services.

“That could be anything from English as a second language support, counseling support if necessary, it really depends on the student and what their needs are,” Zarichny said.

Right now, the Catholic School Division is looking for donations to help make the refugee’s transition to Medicine Hat smoother.

“All of the people from Ukraine that come will have to do a Medical Examination that they will have to pay for themselves, and those can range from $150 to $250 per person. As well, some people may be coming with a few suitcases full of clothing and so on, but there are people who may only come with a backpack,” he said.

Donations can be made at the St Vincent De Paul Society and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.