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9 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,June 30,2022 insidehalton.com Swimming Lessons • Everyday for 2 weeks starting July 5, July 18, August 2, August 15 • 1x a week for 8 weeks starting the week of July 4th 407 Speers Road Unit 8, Oakville swim@theswimacademy.org www.theswimacademy.ca 905-339-3000 July 11 - 15 - FULL August 8 - 12 July 18 - 22 - FULL August 15 - 19 July 25 - 29 - FULL Summer Camps Bronze Cross July 4 - July 15 Bronze Medallion July 18 - July 22 Bronze Cross August 2 - August 12 Leadership Simple Cremation Package CREMATIONHELP.CA 905-512-5799 info@cremationhelp.ca by P.X. DERMODY FUNERAL HOME 1989 LTD& CREMATIONHELP +tax $1816* Dermody's $1999$1997 Includes All disbursements & Crematorium Fees Monthly Payments Starting at $45 - *Prices effective April 1, 2022 and subject to change without notice. Price excludes HST but includes professional staff services ($300), documentation ($235), transfer within 50 kms ($200), administration vehicle ($175), Container ($225), Facilities Shelter ($160). City Registration Fee ($49), Coroner Certificate ($75), Cerematorium ($560). Dermody's local resident Galina Grinchen- ko) that she considers many Ukrainian community members to be "old friends." "Everybody's helping," she said, describing the outpouring of support for those fleeing the war zones. This includes accom- modation, donations of summer clothing and stroller, and even a laptop for her young daughter. As the war in Ukraine rages on, millions of families have been displaced from their homes, with more than five million people seeking refuge in other coun- tries, according to the United Na- tions. Father Michael Loza from St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church called the military inva- sion and indiscriminate cruelty against ordinary citizens a "shock" to the majority of the world. But in a sense, he said it brings people together. "The community has rallied together," he said. "Every com- munity in Canada is a mixture of many different cultures. And there's been something of a unify- ing factor in coming together in times of difficulty -- and chaos and war." The Oakville pastor said that the church has been organizing medical supply drives, as well as social events to assist newly ar- rived Ukrainians settling in their new home. There's a psychologist with a Ukrainian background that comes to the weekly meeting to support newcomers dealing with personal tragedies. Community members across the region have also been step- ping up to help with Ukraine re- lief efforts -- from art exhibits in Halton Hills to a young humani- tarian collecting sleeping bags in Milton and Burlington. Halton Region recently allo- cated $1 million for a transitional housing program that would pro- vide about 50 Ukrainian house- holds with supportive housing for up to 12 months. The initiative will be administered by the Hal- ton Multicultural Council. Recounting her paths to safe- ty, Jane said it was fortunate they got out of the besieged city in time, a mere day before the Mari- upol theatre, where many locals had sought shelter from shelling, was bombed. But leaving everything be- hind, including friends and fami- ly members, was bittersweet. With her eyes set on the fu- ture, Jane said her main focus is her daughter, Kira, and son, An- drew Jr. A budding gymnast, Kira was part of the national gymnastics team and even set to compete abroad, the mom said. Jane is hopeful that there's a local sports or gymnastics club that would let her daughter continue her dream. Meanwhile, their son is recovering from encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tis- sues, which requires treatment from a specialist. As for Andrew, who is more fluent in English, he said he's working to get his driver's licence and other qualifications. Despite the challenges, An- drew and Jane are glad to have a roof over their heads and appreci- ate the kindness of the communi- ty -- especially how the world hasn't forgotten about Ukraini- ans. "The people here ... they do care about Ukrainian people," Jane said. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We wanted to share the journey of a Ukrainian family who seeks refuge in Halton and how the region is supporting those who fled the war. NEWS HALTON RALLYING TO AID UKRAINIAN FAMILIES Continued from front Father Michael Loza holds some of the artwork from students across Halton showing their support for the people of Ukraine. His church has been helping to welcome Ukrainian families who've fled the war. Graham Paine/Metroland