Ukrainian Humanitarian Efforts Coordinator at Kamloops Immigrant Services Paolo Bigit. (Photo credit: CFJC Today).

By Stephanie Swensrude

KAMLOOPS-UKRAINE

Kamloops Immigrant Services helping 40 displaced Ukrainians; language speakers needed

May 18, 2022 | 3:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS) is now assisting 40 people who were displaced by the war in Ukraine.

The service is helping to find housing, employment and schooling, as well as organizing fundraisers, donations and sponsorships. They’re also setting them up with locals who are able to show them how to access basic services in Kamloops.

Paolo Bigit is the coordinator for the Ukrainian humanitarian effort at KIS.

“We are looking for translators and interpreters who can help us… because not all of the Ukrainians who arrive in Canada have a fluent amount of English, so we’re trying to help them as much as we can with basic information,” said Bigit.

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“We would like to have volunteers to help with showing them the transit, showing them how the basic services work.”

The organization wants to start moving the families from temporary homestay-style accommodation to more permanent housing and are asking those with vacant rentals to consider reaching out.

“Most families are coming with a work permit, which means that they can work as soon as they land. As far as we know most of the families that we have… already are working or looking for a job, so they will be having the ability to pay for rent and their own basic needs.”

Those who would like to donate to help with the agency’s efforts are invited to visit their website.