Six months ago, Sasha and Yuliia Solovlov arrived in Canada with only two suitcases and little money in their pockets. As a result of the support from the Rotary Club of Parry Sound, the couple has been able to establish themselves in the community and begin employment at the Trestle Brewing Company.

“Parry Sound has been just amazing. Whenever there's been a need, it's not been very hard to find somebody to fill in and help,” said Rotary Club president Linda West. “But how do we do it for the long haul?”

From Jan. 1 to Nov. 20, over 120,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada by either land or air.

The Solovlovs are only two of the 63 people that have set their roots in the community thanks to the Rotary Club’s support.

“But the war doesn't look like it's going to end any time soon,” said West. With more people losing their homes, she said Rotary expects another wave to come through the program.

“The Red Cross and the Ukrainian groups are getting really desperate for placing people at this stage. There (are) more difficulties now than they were before.”

West explained the program has become a revolving door. Once one family is set up, another awaits around the corner.

The process could be a lot smoother if the Ukrainians arriving in Canada were considered refugees, she said.

“It's really hard to think that people who are coming from Ukraine are not refugees.”

Those seeking safe harbour from Russia’s invasion were allowed entry into Canada through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel measures which allows for temporary residence.

Individuals can apply for permanent residence through other programs if they stay in the country at the end of their temporary stay.

“They have not been brought through as refugees, so they don't get all the benefits that refugees would get.”

Applicants under Canada’s refugee system are granted a permanent stay in the country. They can also receive additional support from the federal government under the Resettlement Assistance Program, which helps with essential services and income support.

“We are struggling and chatting with MPs and MPPs to see if we can change their minds.”

West explained that they would not even have to have full refugee status, “if they were called protected individuals, then they could get the family benefits.”

Now that the Ukrainians settled in Parry Sound are housed, West said the next barrier becomes finances.

“They're sitting on no financial resources. We've had to go in and help them. Sometimes short term, sometimes long term, when different things happen.”

She explained these individuals cannot manage the unforeseen; thus, something simple like an easy car repair can set them back.

To raise funds to continue support for Ukrainians in the area, the Rotary Club and Trestle Brewing Company have teamed up for a Ukrainian fundraiser feast on Dec. 4.

Leading the team will be the Solovlovs in preparing a four-course traditional Ukrainian dinner.

Donations to the Rotary Club’s Ukrainian support programs can be made online at trellis.org/ukraine-wps.