A family of four that fled their home in war-torn Ukraine is being welcomed in Grand Bay-Westfield.
The Sanikov family — Rita, her children Dasha and Roma, and her sister Lora — arrived in the town a few weeks ago.
Mayor Brittany Merrifield said resident Rahma Kouraich knew the family and helped get them here.
“Rahma basically rallied members of the community together and the community, along with Rahma, brought them over. This all happened within really a few short weeks,” Merrifield said in an interview.
“Our residents are well known around the province for doing things like that, opening their hearts and their homes to aid others.”
Community members held an informal gathering earlier this week for members of the Sanikov family.
Merrifield said it was an opportunity to show the family that they are thankful to have them in the community.
“It was emotional for us and for them. Just to see how thankful they were to be welcomed into our community the way they have been and just knowing what they’ve been through and how we’ve been able to hopefully help them go on the path toward healing,” she said.
Officials from several regional organizations were also on hand to provide information about resources and support for the family.
“It was kind of like having 211 in one room,” said Merrifield, referring to the free provincial service to help New Brunswickers navigate the network of community, social, non-clinical health and government services.
The community support has continued for the Sanikov family in the weeks following their arrival.
Merrifield said a raffle organized by Stella Taillefer raised nearly $2,700, and several anonymous donations have come in.
Other community members have even offered to drive the family around so they can get to where they need to go.
“We even had a community member drive the children to our River Valley Youth Centre so they could meet some of the local kids in the area,” said Merrifield.
Merrifield said the family is the first to arrive in Grand Bay-Westfield since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February.
