UKRAINIANS WHO FLED WAR SEEK JOBS TO SEND MONEY HOME

There are no words to describe being ripped from your home by war.

Katya Styutinska and Lena Usovich, two of the five Ukrainians now living in North Grenville, know what it's like to uproot your entire life for the promise of safety. They arrived in Canada on April 7, thanks to sponsorship by Southgate Community Church through an ongoing partnership with Hope House on the ground in Ukraine.

Before war broke out in their country, Usovich, 29, was working as a journalist for a local TV station in Odesa. Styutinska, 28, worked as a barista at a coffee shop in Odesa. The two friends lived together at Hope House prior to leaving Ukraine.

Styutinska was able to bring her seven-year-old son Dima to Canada, but her mother, aunt, uncle, grandfather, siblings and friends are still in Ukraine. Usovich also has relatives back home, including her two brothers and mom.

Usovich says her family is struggling and unable to work due to the war. She is determined to secure a

job as soon as possible, in order to send money home.

"I'm looking for any job," she said. "I need to help my brothers and my country."

Styutinska was studying to become a baker back in Ukraine. She's also looking for work and happy for any employment opportunities that could help her support her family.

Ben Last, pastor of Southgate Church, said they're both hardworking and currently studying to improve their English online.

"Whoever hires these women will know how hard they work," Ben said. "It's inspiring."

Southgate is welcoming two more Ukrainians on Sunday, May 15, and sponsoring a family of five to come to Canada.

"We want to say a big thank you to Southgate and all the people who have helped us," said Styutinska.

Southgate continues to raise funds to sponsor more Ukrainians escaping war. For more information, visit gofund.me/ d146ccce.