ESTEVAN - The ongoing warfare pushed thousands of people out of their homes in search of safety for their families in western regions of Ukraine, as well as in the neighbouring Eastern European countries. Many of them are heading to Poland.
On Monday, Estevan's Aleksandra Szlapacka, of Polish descent, started a campaign to help Ukrainians arriving in Poland, asking the Estevan community to step in.
"Today (Monday) in Poland we have over 300,000 (according to the government of Poland) immigrants from Ukraine. Poland expects four times more in the next few days. Ninety per cent are children with their mothers. Polish citizens help them in every possible way. They're organizing food and places to stay. Schools and kindergartens will accept all the kids to help them go through their hard times," Szlapacka said in her post on Facebook.
"My heart is back home right now. Polish Kitchen is organizing a fundraiser to help cover the costs of arriving Ukrainian families, like food, clothes and medicines. All funds will go directly to Motel Polonus in my hometown Morzyczyn. We appreciate every donation.
“Also, in March we will donate $5 from each lunch meal. Donation can be dropped off at Polish Kitchen at 1009 Sixth Street Estevan. Thank you to all of you."
E-transfers to go towards the cause can also be sent to [email protected].
Szlapacka explained that her mother is helping with this motel, accepting Ukrainians fleeing the war. As of Monday, they had 20 families and were getting ready for more.
The motel is located in far north-western Poland by the city of Szczecin, and Szlapacka said "it takes hours and days for them to travel" there.
