Just weeks ago, Danny Sitnam had no connections or ties to Ukraine – but that’s all changed.
The president and CEO of Richmond-based Helijet is now decidedly close to a family of three currently living in this family’s cottage.
The international friendship began when Sitnam decided to offer his cottage to a family fleeing the war.
Since the invasion of Ukraine at the end of February, Sitnam, along with his wife and two children, have watched in horror and wondered what they could do to help the millions of people fleeing their homeland.
"The invasion of Ukraine was such a significant imprint on all of our lives, and I just felt that we had to try to do something."
Sitman reached out and a church put him in contact with Maple Hope Foundation, a not-for-profit Ukrainian settlement organization.
Several weeks ago, Sitnam received a call from the foundation's co-founder Svitlana Kominko saying a family was coming into Vancouver.
"I asked, ‘When are they coming in?’ She said, ‘tomorrow on a flight from Istanbul.’ So we scrambled and got the place ready," recalled Sitnam.
The next day, Sitnam and Kominko went to YVR to welcome the Ukrainian family of three, including a baby.
"It was just a feeling of joy… Both parties were overwhelmed over such a spontaneous situation happening, and you know that you suddenly have immediate friendships made from nothing. For me it was a very humbling and very privileged experience," said Sitnam.
Since their arrival, Sitnam and his family have been visiting the Ukrainian family nightly, getting to know each other.
"They are starting to look for work and are getting their social insurance numbers. Their driver's licenses can be converted into Canadian licenses. They have full intentions to work and earn income in Canada," Sitnam added.
Sitnam hopes his story inspires more people to help displaced Ukrainians in the coming months.
