Ukrainians who have escaped their country and are now calling Moncton home will share their stories at a special Mother’s Day event on May 8,
It’s a part of the campaign for families fleeing the war in the Ukraine.
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton CEO John Wishart says it’s important that we help support those dealing with such a traumatic experience, “We were there in 2016 with the Syrian refugee crisis when about 400 Syrians arrived and many of them have stayed and are making great contributions to the community and this is just the latest urgent need.”
He adds, “Ray Roberge, the general manager at the Delta Beau came up with the idea of a Mother’s Day breakfast for Ukraine. We’re hoping to fill the ballroom. Tickets are $150, but there’s a charitable tax receipt for $125. All the funds raised will go towards the the $1 million campaign. It probably will be our single largest fundraiser of the campaign.”
Wishart says there are 167 Ukrainians who have arrived since the war began and it’s expected there will be at least another 300, “They’re they’re going to come with a suitcase or two, and not much else. So the needs are urgent and they are significant.”
The hope is Ukrainians who move to the region will want to join the workforce, “There are doctors, university professors, engineers, hairdressers, and truck drivers, they want to get to work get to work as soon as possible. In a broader context, I think it’s just right for the entire community, including the business community to welcome people who have been through a traumatic experience like this.” Wishart says.
Tickets can be purchased through the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick website.
