Help Evgenyia and daughter Olivia from Ukraine

Hi, my name is Kayla and I am fundraising for Evgenyia and her 2 1/2 year old daughter, Olivia. They are fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian war and are looking to find refuge and settle in Canada.

 

Here is some back story:

 

I first became acquainted with Evgenyia about 4 years ago. She reached out looking to come to Canada and work as a Tattoo Artist at my studio. At the time I was transitioning to a new location so the timing just wasn’t right but we still kept in touch all these years.

 

Then, February 24th, Russia began it’s invasion of Ukraine. I watched the news for a couple days and realized how serious this situation was becoming. I messaged Evgenyia at this time and let her know that her and her family were in my thoughts. I also expressed my recollection of her interest to come to Canada in the past and that her and her daughter were more than welcome to come here to take refuge. She would have a job opportunity with my business and an opportunity of providing her and her daughter with a better life. Evgenyia was extremely grateful.

 

She then connected me with her friend who resides in Halifax, Canada, a business owner who has a lot of experience with immigrant workers. Together we started trying to use our connections to get Evgenyia and her daughter to safety, which, with the war on Ukraine escalating, was proving to be no easy feat. There were nights she would message us in terror as the war sirens rang and the shelling of her area was imminent. She needed out and quickly. Not an easy decision as she leaves behind family members; her mother who won’t leave her stepfather and brother who can’t leave due to the obligation of staying to fight for their country.

 

We began to feel helpless as it was seeming like the opportunity of leaving was closing. She was 11 hours from Poland and it was no longer safe to travel that distance, she had no vehicle and no one who could drive her. She fled to Chernivtsi which is close to the Romanian border. After a couple nights of air raids sirens, she knew she had to flee. It was what was best for her and Olivia. She was able to get in contact with a friend from Germany who could pick her up at the Romanian border and then bring her to Germany safely.

 

Evgeniya let us know that she would be picked up later that evening. We lost contact for almost a day (which felt like a lifetime) but connection was really bad for her with crossing borders. We were able to gain contact and found out she was safely in route to Germany!

 

The strength it has taken her to leave her family behind, not knowing what the results of this war will leave behind, seeking asylum in a new country for her and her daughter and putting trust in strangers, is unlike we’ve ever had to experience. Tonight she sleeps a little better in Germany.

 

With all of this being said, we want to ease some of her pain. We want to make this transition during such a difficult time as easy as possible for Evgenyia and Olivia. The best way I know how is trying to give them a home. A place they can make and grow new roots of their own.

 

Anything will go such a long way. We are fundraising funds for the following:

 

• First and last months rent

• Possibly Airbnb rent while waiting for an apartment to be available

• Furnishings

• Clothing

• Groceries

• Essentials

• Childcare

• Work essentials for career

• Toys

 

We thank you so much for all of your kindness and support during such unprecedented times. Together we can make a small difference in two lives and they will be forever thankful. As are we.