Help My Elderly Grandparents Escape Ukraine

My name is Kseniya Yakovenko, and together with my father, Slava, we are asking for your help to evacuate our closest family relatives from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Russian bombing of Kharkiv is intensifying and my grandparents, my cousin and his wife and 4-year-old son need to flee.

Escaping the war is difficult for everyone, but my family’s situation is particularly challenging. My grandpa, Genndiy, suffered a massive stroke a few days after the Russian invasion began, leaving him paralyzed on his right side and unable to care for himself or move without considerable assistance. Doctors confirm that the care my grandpa needs will soon no longer be available in Ukraine so the decision has been made to bring my grandparents and my cousin and his family to Canada as soon as possible. In Canada, my father and I can take care of them.

My cousin Artem has been designated guardian of my grandfather by the Ukrainian authorities. He is unable to work and he is doing all he can to keep his wife and son and my elderly grandparents safe in the midst of the chaos of war. Artem and his family are ready to escort my grandparents out of Ukraine, after which they will begin the process of applying for refugee visas so they can join my grandparents in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada have fast-tracked my grandparents’ visa applications and they are ready to evacuate. They just need to get out of Ukraine to Poland and onto a plane for Canada. However, the cost of trains, planes and ambulances, as well as medical supports and assisted living expenses needed to get my grandfather, my grandmother, my cousin and his wife and son (5 people) to Canada are expected to be more than $30,000. Money we just don’t have and are unable to raise ourselves.

The funds raised through this effort will be received and managed by Glenn Munro, Chartered Professional Accountant, who is working closely with my father and me to make this plan a reality. Glenn will wire funds directly to my father Slava as expenses arise. Expenses to be covered include emergency overland evacuation costs, specialized medical expenses, air transportation and living expenses for Artem and his family while they await receipt of their Canadian travel documents.

I have included a photo of my grandparents and my cousin and family taken recently near Kharkiv.

Russia is reducing Kharkiv to rubble which means my family will soon be homeless. Canada is their best and only option. My father and I, and our Ukrainian family members, are in a horrible predicament and need your help. Please, can you help us? We would be grateful for any contribution, large or small.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your compassion and for your interest in our story.