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After the arrival of more than 200 Ukrainians in Saskatchewan this week, people in rural parts of the province want to pitch in to make them feel welcome.
Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) president Randy Goulden said the organization, as the voice of Saskatchewan’s hometowns, has a “deep desire” in its communities to help people who’ve fled the war in Ukraine.
“Our communities are always looking to welcome people to join them in a really good quality of life we offer in our Saskatchewan communities,” Goulden said.
She said SUMA’s cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities are all working hard to get ready to host any families who might find themselves wanting to settle there.
SUMA, Goulden said, is encouraging towns to make sure local community groups like food banks have the resources they need to support people coming here from Ukraine, as well as getting local housing authorities and settlement agencies ready to assist anyone who is interested.
“We know that there are communities across this province that have the means that can meet their needs and find employment, find housing, find good schools for their children,” Goulden said.
Having communities of all sizes in Saskatchewan means people coming from Ukraine can find a place that fits their needs, and perhaps even resembles the community they’re coming from, Goulden said.
“We have so many people who still have relatives in Ukraine who are really willing to help,” she said.
As they await families that might want to settle outside the city limits of large centres, Goulden said Saskatchewan communities have been encouraged to donate to Red Cross, and SUMA has offered a webinar on welcoming refugees and displaced persons.
The organization also has encouraged members to register with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to help.
“We’re working really hard … to provide all that is needed,” Goulden said, adding SUMA will do what it can to move as quickly as is needed to help people settle.
“We know this is a good place to live,” she said. “The world is getting to know that more and more.”