Victoria’s Journey from Ukraine to Canada: A Story of Resilience and Hope
In the early hours of February 24, 2023, the lives of millions of Ukrainians were forever altered as the ominous sounds of missiles and rockets reverberated through the skies above them. Among those affected was a resilient Ukrainian woman named Victoria, whose life was abruptly halted when her beloved country was thrust into an unwanted and unexpected war. In an instant, everything Victoria had diligently built—a promising education, a thriving career, and lofty aspirations—crumbled in the wake of Russia’s invasion. Her life was no longer about pursuing dreams; it was about surviving the chaos of war.
At the time, Victoria resided in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, along with her cherished companion, Barmaley, a loyal French Bulldog. Her 27-year-old son lived nearby, while her mother was in a different city. Victoria had a deep passion for nurturing young minds and had worked as a music teacher, introducing children to the joys of singing and dancing. She had composed enchanting children’s songs and organized delightful performances. Additionally, she had been engaged in early childhood development, teaching concepts such as Eidetics and TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) to young learners, until the war cruelly disrupted their lives. As the conflict intensified, young children sought refuge in Europe, leaving Victoria and countless others grappling with the harsh realities of war.
Victoria, a well-educated woman with a penchant for staying informed, had been closely monitoring the escalating political tensions with Russia. She sensed that a war was imminent, even though many of her fellow Ukrainians remained skeptical. Two weeks before the invasion, Victoria decided to take matters into her own hands. She prepared an emergency bag, stocked up on groceries, dog food, and medications, and cautioned her family about the impending crisis. She even devised a detailed emergency plan with her son, outlining how they would rendezvous at her mother’s residence, located 300 kilometers away, should their apartment fall victim to a missile strike.
As the fateful morning of February 24 approached, Victoria found herself unable to sleep. Her eyes finally closed around 4 am, only to be jolted awake an hour later by the frantic cries of a neighbor. Russia had begun its invasion, and Victoria’s world was irrevocably changed. Despite her meticulous preparations, she quickly realized that most people had not anticipated the severity of the situation. There were no designated shelters, no coordinated plans. In this time of dire need, Victoria’s director offered refuge at the school where she worked, and she, along with her neighbor, whose daughter had Down Syndrome, took shelter there. The little girl, bewildered and in tears, struggled to comprehend the unfolding chaos. Victoria’s only solace was instructing them to remain hidden. That night, other neighbors sought refuge as well, and the school became a sanctuary for many.
In the days that followed, more of Victoria’s colleagues, elderly individuals, and young children sought refuge at the school. Swiftly, Victoria and her fellow teachers sprang into action, organizing the shelter’s occupants, assigning responsibilities, and maintaining order. Victoria meticulously recorded the names of everyone in hiding, hiding the lists under her piano. Men took shifts on watch duty, changing every two hours, while women comforted the children and ensured they followed instructions diligently, even in the darkest hours of uncertainty.
The school’s lights remained off, windows were concealed with blankets, and Victoria, along with a partner, conducted regular perimeter checks for potential explosives or mines. They also tended to the medical needs of those sheltering in the basement and devised a plan for evacuating to the roof in case the Russians targeted a nearby dam, posing a threat of flooding. Victoria and her comrades were well aware of the brutality of the invading forces, understanding that they wouldn’t hesitate to inflict violence on Ukrainians. Some men and Victoria examined sewer systems and manholes, preparing hiding spots should the need arise.
While the men continued to monitor external threats via video cameras, the women cared for the young children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good hygiene, given the necessity of sleeping in regular clothes. As days passed and the Russian advance faltered, their soldiers began to withdraw.
Amidst the uncertainty, Victoria learned of an opportunity to relocate to Canada, offering her a chance at a fresh start. For Victoria, leaving behind her family, her city, her country seemed unthinkable—a form of betrayal. Her heart ached at the thought of living a tranquil life while her loved ones remained in Ukraine, facing constant danger.
From the onset of the war, Victoria and her family had saved every available penny, but with scarce employment opportunities and her son’s income slashed by more than half, survival was becoming increasingly challenging. Victoria received a meager $80 per month from the government for the last five months, far from sufficient to support her family. After much deliberation, her son made the difficult decision to care for his grandmother and Barmaley, while Victoria explored the possibility of emigrating to Canada. It was a painful choice, but one borne out of necessity to shield her family from the horrors of war.
On September 13, Victoria reached out to Johnathan from “The Henry Project” through a Facebook message, seeking assistance with accommodations and guidance as she awaited her Canadian visa. Johnathan, touched by her story, quickly recognized that Victoria needed help. He sent her an application link and outlined the process used to match Ukrainian families with host communities in Canada. After sharing Victoria’s story with local organizations, he identified a suitable host for her in a small rural village called Wyoming, just outside Sarnia. Victoria and her potential host were soon connected online, sparking a sense of hope and relief.
Johnathan’s journey to assist with humanitarian efforts overseas had been both challenging and rewarding. Witnessing the lives of families upended by an undesired war had been heart-wrenching, but being able to make a difference, as he did for Victoria, was a blessing. He understood that he was just one piece of a larger puzzle, a part of a vast network of individuals working tirelessly to raise funds, find homes, and address the myriad issues arising from the conflict. “The Henry Project” was but one cog in this well-oiled machine, and Johnathan recognized that their success depended on the collective efforts of volunteers and supporters.
In the midst of the turmoil, Victoria’s story serves as a beacon of hope—a testament to human resilience and the power of community. Her journey from Ukraine to Canada is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to succumb to adversity and a reminder that, even in the darkest times, acts of compassion and kindness can shine through, illuminating the path to a brighter future.