Editor’s note: The following is a letter originally published in the Knox Presbyterian Church – Goderich newsletter. It is being republished here with permission.
Since the summer of 2022, more than 50 people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine have arrived in Huron County. The new arrivals, who have been hosted by long-time residents in the area, are starting over and are being supported by Knox Presbyterian Church and other community partners.
Every month in the autumn, the newcomers and their hosts have been gathering in the lower part of Knox Presbyterian Church to share food, meet one another, and learn about various aspects of life in Huron County. Children’s activities have been coordinated by volunteers from the Huron County Library.
The monthly events, coordinated by volunteers and the Huron County Immigration Partnership, are an opportunity for people to gather with others who share experiences and language.
“Because Huron County is so large, many people who were arriving in this area were not able to meet each other or didn’t know other people from Ukraine were here. These meet-ups are a chance for people to share information and build community in a new land,” explained Mark Nonkes, manager of the Huron County Immigration Partnership.
The meet-ups have also been a way to address needs that people face. In October, the Goderich Salvation Army provided new winter coats to adults and children who were in need, along with signing families up for their food assistance program. Gift cards to a department store were also distributed at that meeting, thanks to a donation from the congregation at Knox Presbyterian Church.
A settlement advisor from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has also been on hand to provide information to the Ukrainians. Information about health care in Huron County has been provided by community volunteers, along with information about various funds that are available for people in need.
The Goderich Lions Club, in collaboration with community partners, have set up the Huron Area Newcomer Fund to provide funds of up to $1,500 to families for unforeseen expenses during their first 18 months in Canada. While this committee was founded with the intent of assisting Ukrainians in need of support, it is available to support newcomers from various countries.
Rev. Amanda Bisson represents the Goderich Ministerial Association on the Huron Area Newcomer Fund. She joins John Maaskant, Paul Good and Michael Daley of the Goderich Lions, along the Mark Nonkes of the Huron County Immigration Partnership and Christine Marshall of the Wingham Community Connectors, who collaboratively administer the fund.
For people interested in donating to the Goderich Lions Club’s Huron Area Newcomer Fund, cheques can be written to The Goderich Lions Club, with Huron Area Newcomer Fund listed in the subject line. Charitable receipts will be provided for all donations of $20 or more. Cheques can be sent to the Goderich Lions Club, PO Box 65, Goderich ON, N7A 3Y5.
More information about the Huron Area Newcomer Fund is available at: http://www.goderichlions.ca/donate
