Thanks for your willingness to hear about the current situation of “The Ukraine Store”!
Back in the spring of 2022 displaced Ukrainians began arriving in Halifax to resettle as a result of the Russian invasion. They arrived in Canada with a mere suitcase of belongings, nothing more.
In response to this, a gentleman named Rick Langille began collecting furniture and household items in a self storage locker, in efforts to help these families settle. As people became aware of Rick’s initiative, donations from the public quickly poured in.
In June 2022, Rick was fortunate to be able to move the operation into a 4000 sq. ft retail space donated on a monthly basis, by George Ramia and Page Property Management, in the Bayer Road Shopping Centre.
At that time, other volunteers joined the initiative, creating ‘The Ukraine Store’ – a depot where we have successfully provided donated furniture, beds, linens, cookware, kitchen appliances, clothing & footwear and many more essential items to Ukrainian families at no cost for the past 8 months.
During this period, our store grew from being simply a donation and distribution centre, to becoming a Ukrainian community hub. Families met families with common stories of loss, hardship and relocation. Our volunteer base grew from a few Canadians to over 60 volunteers. 70% of the volunteers are Ukrainians helping Ukrainians in the early stages of settling here in Nova Scotia. The store has become a vital means of sourcing necessary items for starting life in Canada.
Today, we are at another critical milestone in our efforts to continue helping these displaced families. The Ramia’s have advised that they will require us to return our space to them on 31 March. We are so grateful for their donation which has helped so many people! We are now searching for a new location so that we may continue helping Ukrainian families, as we know our services are and will continue to be desperately needed.
We are now looking for vacant drive-up space in HRM, 2000 sq. ft. and up, that would be available for use on a monthly basis. Should be able to help out or know someone who can with such a space, please contact Darren Millett, Volunteer – Ukraine Store – 902-476-2233 dmillett2233@gmail.com
Photo credits to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1052491022296688
