IOOF Seniors Homes in south-end Barrie is getting ready to provide temporary transitional housing to Ukrainian refugees coming to Barrie.
The placement is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the non-profit charity.
IOOF chief executive officer Garry Hopkins says this is solely about the IOOF living up to its mission.
“Caring is our reason for being. What the IOOF is doing is trying to demonstrate compassion and assistance to these families estranged by this atrocious invasion," he said.
The initial arrangement was that IOOF would make 10 apartments available for the refugees, as well as sorting space.
Hopkins told BarrieToday he made the offer in a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian Association of Barrie, after submitting the idea to the chair of IOOF's board of directors.
“My nurse consultant had made me aware of a news article about volunteers for Ukrainians refugees in Barrie needing new space for sorting of donations," he said.
After reading the news article, Hopkins said he knew there was space at the IOOF that could be made available.
Hopkins also noted the IOOF has not received any financial support for this venture and that those willing donate furniture to the Ukrainian families who will occupy the apartments are welcome to help.
“There are several individuals and organizations in Barrie assisting the Ukrainian community in setting up the spaces made available," he said.
Hopkins says he's most struck by the disruption the Ukrainians fleeing the war are facing around the world.
“These families are torn apart by the atrocities of the Putin regime and have been separated by thousands of miles," he added.
