After providing essential support to Ukrainian refugees for over two years, the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse in Edmonton will be permanently closing its doors. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Alberta has welcomed approximately 60,000 Ukrainian refugees, with around 20,000 of them settling in Edmonton.
While the number of Ukrainians arriving in Edmonton has decreased over time, the warehouse has remained open to support those in need. The warehouse has been a vital resource for thousands of Ukrainians who have left their belongings behind and relied on donated furniture, appliances, and household items to start their new lives in Canada.
The closure of the warehouse marks the end of a remarkable journey filled with extraordinary humanitarian goodwill. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter, which has managed the warehouse, expressed gratitude for the support received from the community and highlighted that the initial goal of furnishing over 16,000 homes has been achieved.
The closure brings mixed emotions for Orysia Boychuk, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter. While she is pleased that the need for household support is no longer required, she will miss the sense of community that was formed around the warehouse. The closure also signifies the end of an era for the warehouse, which has been the only one of its kind in Canada still operating.
Following the closure, Habitat for Humanity will be responsible for picking up the remaining items, ensuring that they find new homes. The warehouse’s contribution to assisting Ukrainians in their resettlement journey will never be forgotten, and the impact it has made on the community will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ:
1. Why is the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse in Edmonton closing?
The warehouse is closing because the need for household support for Ukrainian refugees in Edmonton has decreased over time.
2. How many Ukrainian refugees have settled in Edmonton?
Approximately 20,000 Ukrainian refugees have settled in Edmonton since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
3. What resources did the warehouse provide to Ukrainian refugees?
The warehouse provided donated furniture, appliances, and household items to Ukrainian refugees to support them in starting their new lives in Canada.
4. Who managed the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse?
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter managed the warehouse.
5. What was the initial goal of the warehouse?
The initial goal of the warehouse was to furnish over 16,000 homes for Ukrainian refugees.
6. What emotions does the closure bring for Orysia Boychuk, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter?
The closure brings mixed emotions for Orysia Boychuk. She is pleased that the need for household support is no longer required but will miss the sense of community that was formed around the warehouse.
7. What organization will be responsible for picking up the remaining items?
Following the closure, Habitat for Humanity will be responsible for picking up the remaining items and ensuring they find new homes.
Definitions:
– Ukrainian refugees: Individuals who have fled Ukraine due to conflict, persecution, or other reasons and have sought refuge in another country.
– Edmonton: A city in the province of Alberta, Canada.
– Russian invasion of Ukraine: Refers to the military intervention by Russia in Ukraine that started in 2022.
– Warehouse: A large building where goods are stored before being distributed or sold.
– Donated: Something given as a gift or contribution without payment.
Related links:
– Habitat for Humanity – An international nonprofit organization that helps families in need of safe and affordable housing.
– Ukrainian Canadian Congress – The national voice of Canada’s Ukrainian Canadian community, advocating for the interests and aspirations of individuals and organizations of Ukrainian origin in Canada.