Several people in Suroît are preparing to welcome families from Ukraine.
It was following the terrible images broadcast by the international media that a group was formed by Stéphanie Quinn, a resident of Haut-Saint-Laurent, whose family owns a farm in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Faced with the situation, Mrs. Quinn felt the need to make a difference and, above all, to take concrete action. It must be understood that Mrs. Quinn is aware of the facts since her grandmother lived in England during the Second World War.
“My grandmother is still alive thanks to the generosity of a family who took in hers, says Mrs. Quinn. The house where she lived was destroyed during the war.”
Since the first week of March, Mrs. Quinn and her husband decided to donate 50% of the profits of their business as part of a fundraiser that will be used to welcome Ukrainian families in the Suroît region. But it’s not just money that needs to be raised. “Funds are not enough. I created a Facebook group to reach as many people as possible. This is a group to help coordinate our efforts in the Chateauguay Valley, to welcome and support Ukrainian families who will arrive and stay here in the region. All kinds of supports are needed, houses to live in, financial support, help with translation, help with schooling for the children, help with finding jobs, putting them in contact with other Ukrainian families in the region. We decided to become a host family. In our case, we will also provide work on the farm.”
Currently, eight families have come forward to welcome Ukrainian families. However, it is not easy for them to leave to settle in Canada. “It’s not easy for them, confirms Mrs. Quinn. We are in discussion with Canada to obtain visas. There is also an important emotional side since some families are in villages that are now controlled by the Russians so they have to be vigilant. I want to take advantage of the interview to publicly thank the MP for Vaudreuil, Peter Schiefke, for his incredible help.”
Members of the group are also looking for places to store the donations received. “If a business or a family has a space that is sheltered from the weather, we will need it. We are currently looking for clothing, diapers, furniture and lots of livelihood supplies. It’s a lot of logistics. I am used to helping others. We did it throughout the last two floods. I know it’s a lot of work, but it’s important.”
Taking precautions
Although the cause is beneficial, the fact remains that welcoming people into your home requires taking certain precautions. “It is important to be vigilant. You must make sure the right people are in the right places.”
An important precaution is also emphasized by Mrs. Quinn; the families welcomed will have to show their credentials. “Families will have to show a copy of their visa. We don’t want to have to deal with people with bad intentions,” concludes Mrs. Quinn.
People interested in making a difference can contact the Facebook group: Chateauguay Valley pour/for Ukraine.
