Ukrainian siblings build new future in Saskatoon
Two Ukrainian refugees, a brother and sister, are settling into their new home in Saskatoon.
Kyrylo Shcherbakov, 16, and his sister Khrystyna Gogol, 31, fled to Warsaw in March from their home in the Odesa region.
Ukrainian refugees Kyrylo Shcherbakov and sister Khrystyna Gogol have found a new home in Saskatoon. (Carla Shynkaruk/CTV Saskatoon)
They then started the process to get to Canada with the help of the Kushnir family, Vitaliy and Myroslava and their own three children.
When word came of a charter flight to Regina on Monday, they knew they had to move fast.
Paying thousands of dollars for flights would have been challenging so having this charter option was a huge help.
“We are so appreciative of the Canadian government and all Canadians who help and the (Ukrainian Canadian Congress),” Gogol said.
When the pair arrived on Canadian soil, one of the first things they noticed was how big things here are compared to their home.
“When we were at the airport, we said 'look at the huge cars and roads,'” Gogol said.
Kyryl will be attending Holy Cross High School in the fall. He has a list of things he wants to accomplish in a short time.
“First, I want to study English. Second I want to go to school,” he says.
The teen wants to play soccer here, which he says he’s pretty good at. He loves McDonald’s and wants to apply for a job there once his English improves.
Gogol will be working at the Kushnirs' Ukrainian store in Saskatoon called Smak.
They left their parents behind, in an area that has seen a lot of military action by the Russians.
“Of course, we worry about them,” Gogol said.
Their dad is a pastor at church and their mom also helps those who are left behind like the elderly. While it was tough for their parents to let them go, they realized it was a great opportunity to get to safety.
“When we said to our parents that we have a visa in Canada they were happy and sad at the same time. For us, it’s really a good opportunity, but mom cries every day,” she says.
Thankful for the Kushnirs and their generosity to take them in, these siblings are focussing on the positives and the summer ahead learning about their new home.
“We’ll keep them busy,” says Vitaliy, who is planning to take them to a family camp, do some tenting and attend festivals in the city.
It’s estimated that about 1,000 displaced Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan so far. More are expected.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.