AN UNKNOWN FUTURE

At first, she thought the noise that jolted her awake was just a dream. She'd soon realize it was in fact the start of her homeland's nightmare.

Anna Yevtushenko and her family had discussed what they'd do if Russia did in fact invade Ukraine and their home city of Kyiv. Anna, 18, and her sister Maria, 11, would have to be ready in an instant. Her mom Tanya would drive them out of danger, while dad Slava stayed behind and protect the house.

A nearby explosion woke her up. A second explosion confirmed to her the war had begun and she ran to her parents' room, who soon awoke, and the adrenalin kicked in. Anna struggles to recall exactly what happened next, but she remembers being afraid while her younger sister, perhaps not fully grasping the situation, remained calm.

She also remembers Ukraini

an soldiers as they drove out, and the very real fear of what would happen to them if they came across the invading Russians. Tanya would stay behind the wheel of their car for 17 hours at a time to get to safety.

"Mom would drive from early morning to late night," Anna recalled.

They first went to Chernivtsi, where it was relatively calm. Eventually, they'd make their way through Romania and into Poland.

In mid-April they arrived in Canada, settling with Kristin Kish, who volunteered to host a Ukrainian family. For Kish, it was an obvious decision and one she hopes more Niagara-on-the-Lake families will do. She's living in a house owned by her best friend's parents and has ample space. When she brought up the idea to the owners, she said they weren't entirely sure. It wasn't a case of not wanting to help, but that they worried Kish herself might come to regret the decision.

"For me, I thought, not really ... This isn't about me in any way, I can deal with a little inconvenience," she said, pointing out the Ukrainians who have faced unimaginable challenges this year.

However, it's been anything but an inconvenience. Kish and Anna joke constantly, Maria shows up for a hug and McDonald's. Tanya, tired from a shift at her job at Queen's Landing Hotel, sticks to her native tongue as she talks to Anna. Kish is pretty sure they're talking about her and they all share a laugh.

The Yevtushenkos are grateful for the help of Kish, Canada and the community of Niagara. They've received bikes from the Broken Spokes program, and support through a local group called AMD for HOPE. Initially, the group formed to help raise money and supplies to be sent overseas, but have since added a local component.

Victoria Biliak (Katz) is involved with the group and said there are several challenges families like the Yevtushenkos face when they arrive. Biliak left Ukraine for Canada seven years ago. She described the stress of settling into a new culture while constantly worrying about the country and culture they left behind.

"It's a totally different life here than in Ukraine," she said.

Biliak said the biggest needs right now are accommodations, like what Kish has offered. Beyond that, gift card donations that allow arriving Ukrainians to buy what they need are important, as are household items, toiletries, diapers, car seats and mattresses. The group is still collecting medical supplies to be shipped over as well.

Transportation is also important, so volunteer drivers are needed.

For more information on the group's efforts, visit amdforhope.com or the Help Ukraine Niagara 2022 Facebook page.

Anna arrived in Canada with hardly any clothes. She spent months in the Poland winter and early spring wearing the same hoodie.

Anna and Maria received bikes through the Broken Spokes program, and Royal Oak School was able to quickly accommodate and get Maria enrolled.

While they're grateful for the help Niagara and Canada has provided, they're still full of worry about those who remain in Ukraine. Anna talks with her dad Slava daily, and she said it's been a struggle for him and the constant threat that comes with the air raid sirens. She also thinks of her friends and other family members whose lives have been turned upside down.

"It's hard when you don't know what tomorrow will bring," Anna said. "We're happy we can live happily and safe, but our Ukrainians are dying every minute."

She's unsure what the future will bring but expects to remain in Canada for a few years, finding a job and possibly going to school in Toronto. Tanya, meanwhile, would like to get back to Ukraine as soon as it's safe, if for no other reason than Slava.

"I'll go to my husband and hug him, and spend time with him," Tanya said in Ukrainian, with Anna translating.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With no end in sight for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, those fleeing the conflict will continue to arrive in Canada and require the support of our government and community. Luke Edwards spoke with one family about their journey to Niagara and why their host wanted to help.