Ukrainian family beginning to settle into life in Medicine Hat

Mykhailo, who was an IT technician back in Mariupol, says it’s been difficult finding work in his field. “At the moment, I’ve just found let’s say, [a] survival job, but I want to have a more intellectual job.” He adds.

Even though the transition to a new life and country has been difficult, Mykhailo says the community has been extremely welcoming to him and his family.

“I met lots of people who was so supportive, who helped us to find a new home in a new country.”

The Kolidas and several other families settling into Medicine Hat were assisted on their journeys by Hatters Help Ukraine, a local organization created at the onset of the Russian invasion.

George Kovalev, organizer of Hatters Help Ukraine, says the summer has posed some significant financial challenges.

During the month of August, the prices went skyrocket[ing]. For now, if the family wants to travel to Canada from Europe, it’s going to cost about three thousand dollars per person,” Kovalev says.

The group has been able to bring several families over from Europe to Medicine Hat, utilizing the massive amounts of monetary and furniture donations to help families feel as much at home as possible. Jennifer Mah, a volunteer with the organization, says the group is shifting its focus just a bit to help provide for the families already here.

“There could be more people helping out in a volunteer capacity, even more so than in a monetary and donation capacity.” Mah says.

She adds the organization is looking for temporary English supports and tutors, as well as employers looking to utilize the skills these new Hatters bring to the table.

“People are finding a certain amount of survival jobs, but to gain some different work experience and to also get some jobs that are meaningful and that can use the skills, the amazing skills that everybody brings over.”

For Mykhailo and Hatters Help Ukraine, they could not stop thanking everyone involved in their journey to Canada.

“We have a great support from Hatters Help Ukraine, from all Canadian people I’ve met here,” Mykhailo says.

“We’re really thankful for all the different communities and all the different volunteers who have just really poured out their support.” Mah adds.

The Kolidas now look towards their new future in Medicine Hat. His son, Tymofii, will be starting Grade 10 in the fall at Monsignor McCoy High School. “My son will go to the school; we want him to get [a] Canadian education.”

Mykhailo also looks forward to contributing to a community which has already sone so much for him and his family.

“We want to settle here, to be useful for the people here, and become a part of the people of Medicine Hat and Canada.”

by Gates Guarin

Ukrainian family beginning to settle into life in Medicine Hat

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