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
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.