Ukraine Local Relief

Ukraine Local Relief Group

In early 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and Canada offered a place of refugee for Ukrainians displaced by the invasion. Bethany community stepped up to bat and opened our homes and hearts to the Ukrainian people arriving in Oxford County. We partnered with other groups to offer as much support as we could and our volunteers helped with finding homes, supplies and when we could jobs. We also offered financial support when ever we were able to. One of our church members, set up and ran a "warehouse" where people could come and get clothing, furniture and miscellaneous household goods. All goods were donated by Bethany members and the wider community of Woodstock and Oxford County. After 2 years and 2 different locations, the warehouse was closed because we lost space to house it and the need was no longer there on the scale it originally was. 

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BETHANY LUTHERAN HELPS UKRAINIAN NEWCOMERS

Bethany Lutheran Church has been very supportive of newcomers settling in Oxford County. Individuals from the church were instrumental, in the early stages, by assisting with donations from Woodstock and Oxford County. They helped to pick up donations and organize them in the first warehouse for newcomers.

Bethany members donated furniture, household items, and paper and hygiene necessities. They also made personal financial donations to assist the families in need. One member provided temporary accommodations for two consecutive families.

As the community made financial donations, Bethany assisted by setting up a special account. They established a committee of both Bethany members and community members, who were assisting Ukrainians, to disburse the funds to those in need. The donations are being used for emergency needs, in particular medical/dental needs and to offset mileage expenses for the volunteer truck drivers, who deliver the furniture. The funds have also been used to purchase paper products and diapers to support the young families.

Since the Ukrainian church closed in Woodstock several years ago, Bethany’s Council offered their church for monthly services. Most Ukrainians are Orthodox so a Ukrainian Orthodox priest attends from Waterloo and provides prayers for Ukraine, on the third Saturday. The service is followed by a potluck in the fellowship hall and Bethany members have assisted on a regular basis. They also hosted a traditional Ukrainian service to bless their Easter baskets.

Given the number of Ukrainians in the Woodstock area, they have set up a local Ukrainian congress as part of the national group, UCC. They have held a special traditional event, Vyshyvanka day. Following their walk in Woodstock in traditional embroidered attire, they held presentations and a meal in Bethany’s fellowship hall. They are planning another event to show the film ‘Uprooted’ and a presentation on ‘Stolen Childhood’ to be held at Bethany.

Bethany Council has also supported a Ukrainian newcomer, who taught English in Ukraine, to provide English classes to Ukrainians twice a week, in the fellowship hall.

Ukrainian children have been attending PA fun days, organized at Bethany for the past two years, and have appreciated the opportunity to participate in bible lessons, singing, crafts and field trips in the community. A few Ukrainian children have also attended Sunday School.

The Ukrainian newcomers have been very appreciative of the kind and caring support from Bethany members and the Council. Words can’t express their gratitude. Thank you Bethany!

Thank you from our Local Ukraine Community