Ukrainian single mom receives big surprise days after arriving in Kelowna – Okanagan | 24CA News
Julia Makavchuk and her youngsters Diana, 13, and Maksym, 15, arrived in Kelowna final Saturday.
The trio fled war-torn Ukraine in hopes of discovering a protected place to stay.
Six days after arriving within the Okanagan, they acquired an enormous shock — one on 4 wheels.
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“I had the opportunity to buy a new car and I could obviously just sell this one and get some money,” mentioned Ryan Hosaki.
But as a substitute of promoting his 2003 Honda Pilot, the household donated it to a household fleeing the struggle.
“We feel just very fortunate that when we wake up, our concerns are fairly trivial compared to those of people around the world,” Hosaki mentioned.
“So we just thought if we could help out, we’ll do it.”
His spouse, Kristen Bonin, echoed the sentiment.
“I’m excited for this opportunity, to be able to give back to somebody, especially somebody coming from such hardship,” Bonin mentioned.
On Friday, the Kelowna couple, together with their six-year-old daughter, handed over the car to the newly arrived household of three.
“We just wanted to welcome you guys to the country and let you know that you’re very welcome and supported,” mentioned Hosaki as he handed over the car’s keys.
Speaking by a translator, Makavchuk advised Global News she was very grateful.
She added that the donation was “a big surprise for them and that they did not expect it and that it’s exactly what they need right now to settle here.”
Bonin added that in addition they needed to make use of the chance to show their daughter, Kaia, about compassion and caring for others, particularly throughout occasions of issue.
“I think it’s also important that we share these with our children, and so we wanted to have our daughter here today, to be part of this experience,” Bonin mentioned.
The couple reached out to the group Kelowna Stands with Ukraine to discover a household in want.
The group’s president mentioned it was robust to select a household as a result of there are quite a few in want, however he selected the Makavchuks as a result of they’d simply arrived and needed to present them a superb begin in Canada.
“It was a pretty hard choice,” admitted Denys Storozhuk.
Storozhuk added he was touched by the gesture and continues to be amazed by Kelowna residents and their need to assist Ukrainians.
“Kelowna is the most generous city,” Storozhuk mentioned.
“Kelowna people think about community and about people who come here to live in this community. And with Ukrainians, of course, it’s pretty clear what’s happening and every help is appreciated.”
The sudden present has left the brand new arrivals with an awesome first impression of how Canadians are.
“Friendly and caring,” mentioned Makavchuk, including that the massive donation has already made them really feel at dwelling.
Hosaki mentioned he and Bonin really feel nice about lending a serving to hand.
“We did it,” mentioned Hosaki, “because it would make us feel good and them feel good.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
