Tearful reunions for Ukrainians arriving on 4th chartered flight to N.L. with loved ones waiting | 24CA News
Tearful hugs usually are not uncommon at St. John’s International Airport, however for the Ukrainians who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador — and the family members ready for them — on Tuesday night time, they marked the tip of a traumatic chapter in an extended, harrowing journey.
Serhii Kuper has been in Newfoundland and Labrador since June, when he arrived on the second government-chartered flight for folks fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday night, he was again within the airport, this time ready to be reunited together with his aunt and grandmother. He stated he could not clarify how completely satisfied he was.
“I’m very excited because I’ve been waiting for them all this time,” he stated.
Kuper’s aunt and grandmother had been two of 187 Ukrainians who arrived on a fourth flight chartered by the provincial authorities. According to the immigration division, roughly 1,500 Ukrainians have come to Newfoundland and Labrador since March, together with about 700 by way of provincial authorities flights.
Kuper stated he is missed his household, and his aged grandmother’s escape from the warfare was a selected fear.
“It was a very stressful period,” he stated.
He satisfied his household to come back to the province as a result of he already feels at residence, regardless of the climate — a thick, chilly fog blanketed the town on Tuesday night.
“It doesn’t matter the cold, what’s more important is the warmth of hearts of people who live here,” he stated.
Kuper wasn’t simply on the airport for the reunion although — he now works for the Association for New Canadians, serving to different Ukrainians get settled. On Tuesday night time, he was driving folks to their new lodging. The provincial authorities says they’re going to keep in momentary lodging, like accommodations, till they’ll get settled in additional everlasting housing.
At peace
Anastasiia Revina embraced her mom and grandmother once they arrived. It was the primary time she’s seen them in 9 months.
“It was so hard,” she stated.
Revina additionally reunited along with her two-year-old pet rabbit.
Ira Fediv, who arrived on a flight along with her husband and two younger kids, stated she was at peace.
“We made a decision to go to the country where we can be together [and be] safe,” she stated.
Fediv labored as an interpreter for Eric and Margie Fowler, a L’Anse au Loup couple, once they had been in Ukraine. On Tuesday, they reunited on the opposite facet of the ocean.
“We’re happy that they’re safe,” Eric stated, his voice breaking.
A brand new journey
Two households had been headed to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the place they’re going to join with members of the family already settling in.
“I’ve got big reunions tomorrow, in Labrador,” stated Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper.
Shortly after strolling off the airplane, Sofiia Galasym, a 34-year-old Ukrainian, stated she was excited — however drained — after a three-day journey, which started in western Ukraine.
“It’s like … adventure,” she stated. “Probably all people who are coming to some new place have some adventure in their heart, and I am as well.”
Despite the brand new journey, Galasym stated she’ll be lacking her household over the vacations, and her ideas had been with these nonetheless in Ukraine.
“It’s scary and hard to leave,” she stated.
