Halifax store see growing demand from Ukrainians fleeing war
The Nova Scotia Resettlement Society, now known as Nova Horizons, provides the everyday items needed by Ukrainians who are fleeing the Russian invasion of their country, and settling in Nova Scotia.
“It’s a wonderful country and I’m glad to be here,” says Denys Taran. “I like the city of Halifax, and also the Atlantic Ocean.”
Taran arrived in Halifax two months ago. He applied to the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Program (CUAET) a year ago.
The program, which has helped 200,000 Ukrainians like Taran come to Canada, comes to an end on Sunday.
With the deadline looming, Becky Mason, the chair chair of Nova Horizons is starting to see a spike in the need for their services as people continue to escape war.
“Saturdays in February we were probably around 20-to-25 families who would come for support. Now we are 50-to-60,” says Mason.
That means volunteers will be working extra. Tuesday was Pat Bishara's first day at the store and she says she's ready to help.
“They’re coming here and it’s such a difficult time in their lives and the more we can do to help them out, whether it be volunteering in the store, helping them to adjust, I just felt the need to help out in some way,” Bishara said.
“It’s a big deal to come to a new country and to learn the language and to fit into the system,” adds fellow volunteer Savannah Metcalf. “I see such gratitude. They’re so happy to be here, they’re so happy to see what we offer,”
Taran is so grateful for the help his family received, he is now stepping in to help out.
“The people I see inside the Ukrainian store will stay good friends and we have wonderful conversation together and also maybe we’ll see exciting places together in Halifax,” he says.
Canada has received nearly a million applicants to the CUAET Program since 2022. All are subject to background checks before approval.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.