The Ramara Chamber of Commerce, Brechin Legion, and members of the community came together to raise more than $7,000 for Ukrainian refugees living in Ramara at a recent fundraiser.
Orillia OPP Sgt. Matt Stoner attended the charity pancake breakfast and silent auction last weekend. He has found homes for three Ukrainian families who fled their war-torn country that occupies a special place in his heart.
Before the Russian invasion, Stoner was posted, through the OPP, to the RCMP on a one-year mission to help train Ukrainian police.
“When the war started I got in contact with the people I worked with to see if they needed any support for their family,” he explained. “They are very thankful to be here in Canada right now.”
The three families that Stoner has helped have multiple children ranging in age from a toddler to a 14-year-old.
“These are children who had to live with air alarms, alerts, and running to bomb shelters,” Stoner said.
During last weekend's event, support came from local residents, emergency service workers, and local businesses. Raising funds for the families was crucial, Stoner says.
“Every dollar counts,” he said. “They are trying to get their children into school and establish themselves.”
The Ukrainian currency doesn’t have the same buying power in Canada as it does in Ukraine, making fundraising efforts impactful for refugees, he explained.
“It’s huge to have these donations to help feed them, clothe them, and make sure their stay in Canada is comfortable,” he said. “Hopefully we can provide them with a place of their own or get them back home at some point.”
Stoner says refugees only came to Canada with the clothes on their backs, leaving behind pets and, in most cases, family members.
If anyone would like to make a donation to Ukrainian families living in Ramara, you can email the Ramara Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]
