Front Page News: Meet Leila – A Future Worth Fighting For
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Romana and her family have captured the hearts of Parry Sound, and today their story is front page news in The Great North Arrow.
Romana, along with her lawyer, is working tirelessly so that her family can remain in Canada. This process is long, complex, and very expensive — but together, we can help lighten the load.
💙 How you can help:
Your donation will directly support the legal costs of keeping Romana, Vlad, and Leila here in Canada — safe, supported, and continuing to thrive in the place they now call home.
🙏 Every dollar matters. Let’s show them the same generosity they’ve shown to us.
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A Future Worth Fighting For: Standing With Romana’s Family
When Romana Svechka arrived in Parry Sound in 2022 with her husband Vlad and daughter Leila, she carried more than just a suitcase. She carried hope. Hope for safety, hope for opportunity, and hope for a life free from the uncertainty and risks of staying in Russia during a time of conflict.
The Svechka family quickly became known not as newcomers, but as neighbours. Romana stepped into community life with energy and generosity, volunteering her time at fundraisers, cultural events, and local celebrations. Vlad, a skilled plumber, offered his trade and skills to support families in need. And Leila, just 14 when she arrived, worked tirelessly at school to master English, excel in her studies, and contribute her voice to the community around her.
In only a few short years, their family has left an indelible mark on Parry Sound. From holiday events that brought joy to seniors, to youth projects supported by their volunteer efforts, the Svechkas have shown what true community builders look like. They’ve been part of the heartbeat of our town — working alongside us, not apart from us.
But behind the smiles and hard work lies a painful reality: the Svechka family is fighting to stay in Canada. Despite their contributions and deep ties here, their claim for Permanent Residency was rejected on technical grounds. The system does not always account for the real human impact of its decisions. That is why Romana, with the help of her lawyer, is working tirelessly to appeal and secure a safe, permanent home for her family in Canada.
This is not just a legal process. It is a fight for safety, stability, and the right to continue building a life in the place they now call home. It is also an expensive process, requiring resources that far exceed what most families can afford. Legal fees, filing costs, and the endless paperwork of immigration law are daunting. For a family that has already given so much to our community, it feels unfair that the cost of belonging should come at such a steep price.
That is where we, as a community, can make the difference. Donate Here
Romana and her family have stood with us. They have shared their time, their skills, and their hearts. Now, it is our chance to stand with them. By contributing to their legal fund, we are not just helping one family. We are making a statement that Parry Sound stands for compassion, justice, and community. We are saying that the people who enrich our lives deserve the chance to stay and continue to thrive.
No contribution is too small. Each act of generosity is a vote for kindness, for fairness, and for the kind of community we all want to live in.
Leila’s future is bright. With her intelligence, resilience, and determination, she represents the promise of what can happen when newcomers are welcomed, supported, and allowed to flourish. But her future — and the future of her family — depends on us coming together now.
Parry Sound is stronger when we lift each other up. Let’s fight for a future worth keeping.