Support pours in for Ukrainian man stabbed at Edmonton bus stop: ‘It’s unbelievable’ – Edmonton | 24CA News
The long-time good friend of the person who was randomly stabbed at a south Edmonton bus cease Thursday is overwhelmed by the neighborhood response.
Leo Leshchinsky began a GoFundMe account for his good friend Ivan Pylypchuk, who was attacked whereas ready for a bus in Mill Woods.
As of Friday morning, greater than $67,000 had been raised to assist Pylypchuk, his spouse Yulia and their daughter.
“It’s amazing how people stand up and help,” Leshchinsky mentioned. “They don’t need to worry about finances for at least a year now and that’s amazing.”
Ivan Pylypchuk, his spouse Yulia and their daughter. Ivan was randomly stabbed at an Edmonton bus cease on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Supplied: Leo Leshchinsky
Edmonton police responded to an assault name on 38 Avenue close to Millbourne Road within the Michaels Park neighbourhood at round 6:15 a.m. April 13.
Police have been instructed {that a} 48-year-old man was sitting by himself at a bus cease, consuming his espresso, when somebody got here up from behind and stabbed him within the again. The sufferer was capable of name 911 earlier than collapsing, police mentioned.
He was taken to hospital with critical accidents.
Leshchinsky mentioned his good friend had solely simply arrived in Edmonton from Ukraine.
“He came last Friday night. Two weeks ago.”
And he’d simply celebrated a birthday. Pylypchuk turned 48 on Wednesday, Leshchinsky mentioned.
The two have recognized one another for a few years. They went to the identical faculty and lived two homes away from one another in Ukraine.
“When we knew he was coming to Canada, I helped him a little bit to fill the papers, advise him.”
Ivan Pylypchuk was randomly stabbed at an Edmonton bus cease on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Supplied: Leo Leshchinsky
Leshchinsky mentioned he was shocked when he heard his good friend had been randomly stabbed in Edmonton.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he mentioned. “It’s unbelievable that somebody can randomly just cut somebody on the street without any reason. It’s just shocking.”
Pylypchuk, who’s been working in development since he arrived, had a tough night time in hospital, based on Leshchinsky. He’s having hassle respiration and sleeping.
“They want to put him on intubation and sedation just so he can sleep a little bit. He has a lot of pain.
“He really appreciates all the help of people, suggesting and helping and donating. It’s just unbelievable how good our country – not just our country; some people donated from abroad as well — how many people sent in messages saying they want to help.
“I really appreciate it. It’s unbelievable how good our community is.”
Read extra:
‘It’s nonetheless unbelievable’: Ukrainians, Alberta volunteers mark 1 12 months of warfare
Loved ones aren’t certain when Pylypchuk can be launched from hospital.
“Crossing fingers for him and knocking on wood,” Leshchinsky mentioned.
As new arrivals to the town, the household has a lodge till April 20. Leshchinsky hopes the funds raised will assist them discover a extra everlasting house, ideally in an space with different Russian-Ukrainians who can provide language assist and assist, if wanted.
Ivan Pylypchuk was randomly stabbed at an Edmonton bus cease on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Supplied: Leo Leshchinsky
He describes Pylypchuk as “a good friend.”
“He is brave. He is a big guy. We’re almost the same height I think. He’s pleasant and a very open communicator. He likes life. He likes people. He likes to be outside.”
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