Ukrainian refugee family coming to Oyen in July
By Joan Janzen
Kay and Doug Dingeman from Oyen and their three adult children are on board in bringing a Ukrainian refugee family to town. Thanks to their efforts, a Ukrainian family will be arriving in July. The family includes two children, ages 13 and eight, their 35-year-old mother and her parents, aged 65 and 62. However, the children’s father is staying in Ukraine to fight.
Kay said a Facebook group of Canadians welcoming Ukrainians first sparked her interest. The YYC Hosts Ukrainians group connects hosts and Ukrainians with the Calgary community. “When I heard what was going on, I realized most people were going to big cities, which is great for people who are well educated and can make a living in the cities,” Kay said. “But not everyone has a high level of education or speaks English.”
Another resource Kay was following was St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox regarding Ukrainian humanitarian aid, which covers needs such as housing, after-arrival support, a humanitarian fund, social support network, and opportunities for volunteers to get involved. “I registered with the church in Calgary that was already set up,” Kay explained. “I was asked to take a family. None of the adults speak English; they only speak Ukrainian and Russian. The oldest daughter does speak a little English. The process took a week to get the first phone call. We said we have jobs, a house, and they found us a family.”
Kay and Doug operate two businesses in Oyen, KD’s Fine Wine & Spirits and T&D Market Fresh Foods. “We have jobs for the three adults and a staff house they can rent for a reasonable price,” Kay said. “They’ll be working in the grocery store. We’re recommending our customers download Google Translate.”
The 65-year-old male is a carpenter; Kay hopes he will be able to do odd jobs for people in the community and at the store, but he’ll need tools. His wife enjoys gardening and cooking, and Kay told her about the farmer’s market in town where she could sell prepared food and baking, as well as work at the store.
The 13-year-old enjoys volleyball and playing guitar, and the 8-year-old likes painting. “We’ve had a wonderful response from the community,” Kay said. “We have a family buying brand new bikes for the kids. We have most of the living room furnished and a lot of kitchen stuff coming. I have been so overwhelmed with the generosity of people; it’s absolutely amazing!”
Kay noted the family will not only have the usual struggles of someone immigrating, but it will also be hard for them not knowing the status of their dad, which could change in a heartbeat. Kay has asked the adults to write a biography, but she’s leaving it up to them as to how much information they wish to share.
The newcomers will also have to adjust to a small community where everyone will know their names. “I warned them that everybody will say hello and ask them about their story,” Kay said. “It may be awkward for them and will take some getting used to.”
Meanwhile, the community of Oyen is preparing for their arrival by donating needed resources. “What they need is people who speak Ukrainian,” Kay said. However, she’s confident that in the meantime, Google Translate will work very well.
Kay and Doug Dingeman from Oyen and their three adult children are helping a family from Ukraine immigrate to Oyen, Alberta, Canada. Back row (l-r) Dalton, Doug, Kay. Front row (l-r) Kristen, Tara.
