Newcomer Family of 11 Arrives!

The Meadowlands Fellowship Refugee Team is delighted to announce the safe arrival of our sponsored Ukrainian newcomer family of 11 to Canada (family name withheld for privacy). After an exhausting day of travel from Frankfurt to Lisbon and then to Toronto, followed by a 3 hour wait at Toronto Airport to complete immigration paperwork, we helped the family load into a Calvin Christian school bus and drove them to Ancaster. The family will be staying for the first 4 – 6 weeks in the Redeemer University student residences.

The family members are:

• Parents – Andrii and Tetiana

• Sons – Ivan (17), Maksym (13), Ruslan (11),
  Aleksandr (7), Arsen (4)

• Daughters – Daryna (17), Sofia (14), Liliia (14), Solomiia (10)

The Refugee Team continues to be amazed at how beautifully the final details have come together for this family – transportation, housing, food, clothing, and short-term financing. God is good!

​

But more is needed… The most urgent requirements over the next few months:

​

1. Accommodations

After a 4 – 6 week stay in Redeemer dorm rooms, we hope to settle the family into a suitable home that can accommodate 11 people. If anyone knows of a suitable rental house (ideally in the Ancaster/West Hamilton Mountain area) please contact Ren Siebenga (905) 929-6419.

​

2. Financial Donations

As one can imagine, the daily living expenses for a family of 11 are huge. We ask that people please give whatever money they can through the donation options listed here.

We are also asking people to donate a month’s worth of rent over the next 12 – 24 months. So far, we have 9 months covered but we clearly need more help in this area. If you would like to donate funds for monthly rent, please contact Ren Siebenga (905) 929-6419.

3. Good Minivan

The Refugee Team has a family sedan already lined up but, for a family of 11, a minivan will also be needed. If someone is aware of a dependable, used minivan available at a low price or even as a donation, please contact Alan Beech (905) 961-8948.

4. Employment

The father, Andrii, has strong experience as a commercial truck driver and we will attempt to transfer his Ukrainian truck driver’s license to Canada as soon as possible. However, there may be significant delays in getting that accomplished. Andrii also has experience in construction (Tetiana says he built their own house in Ukraine with his own hands) and is very willing to work hard as a labourer to support his family. If people know anyone in the community who could use Andrii’s services, please contact Ed Van Beilen (416) 985-5060.

5. Drivers

Before cars are acquired and licenses are obtained, the family will require occasional transportation to medical/dental appointments, job interviews, school etc. If you have a vehicle and can support the family as a volunteer driver, please call Hilda Roukema (289) 440-1962.

​

We thank everyone so much for all the incredible help and support provided thus far!

MFCRC Refugee Team