Store opens in Halifax for Ukrainian refugees to shop for their homes free of charge
Some retail space donated to a local organization to help Ukrainian refugees is now open in Halifax.
Newcomers can shop for whatever they need to fill their homes - for free.
The Ukraine Store opened Tuesday at 7071 Bayers Rd. to limited hours, and in those two days they've already helped 11 families find items they need for their new homes.
“We are looking for some furniture for our apartment,” says Daria Herashchenko.
The teenager’s family moved to Halifax five weeks ago after fleeing the Russian led war in Ukraine.
They, like the others, came to Canada with very few belongings.
“Well imagine coming with what you can carry in a suitcase and you’re starting from scratch,” says store volunteer Greer Kelley.
Despite a seemingly sufficient supply, there is an immediate need for some items, mainly, small appliances.
“We desperately need hairdryers, coffee makers, toaster ovens, teapots, toasters,” Kelley says.
Another thing needed are host families.
“We need Nova Scotians to open up their homes to help people that are coming from this terrible situation in Ukraine and they need places to stay,” says Rick Langille, a volunteer with Atlantic Canadian Hosts for Ukraine.
Host families are typically only needed to bridge the gap until refugees can find a place of their own.
Some are finding, once they get settled, that life in Halifax is comparable to what they had in Ukraine.
Rent and other everyday prices are comparable but the salary Yuliia Lokutovska’s husband makes as a truck driver is double what he’d make in Kharkiv.
Which, they say, is one of the reasons they’re happy to have chosen Halifax as their new home.
To donate to the Ukrainian Store, volunteer, or receive donations, fill out a form on their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.