A local organization is celebrating the life and honouring the work of one of their volunteers, a Ukrainian refugee that was dedicated to helping others like him.
Recently, the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron (MAPH) hosted a memorial at Copperlight, formally known as the Knox Presbyterian Church. Members of the organization and people who knew of the situation gathered to honour the life of Alex Buzova.
“(He was a) big volunteer,” Dr. Geza Wordofa, founder of MAPH told StratfordToday. “Not only for Ukrainian refugees – but all people in need.”
Buzova was a volunteer for MAPH, the organization which assisted him when he first came to Canada. Wordofa said that he is devastated over the loss and finds it hard to believe. Buzova was only 26-years-old.
Buzova recently came to Stratford as a Ukrainian refugee. He received assistance from MAPH when he first arrived and joined as a volunteer. He assisted MAPH in delivering goods, helping other newcomers navigate the area, and helped to get furniture for their new apartments.
Wordofa told StratfordToday that Buzova gave his last money to the organization, for another family to come, an example of who he was as a person.
Liudmyla Spynova, speaking through a translator, said her story mirrors Buzova and other Ukrainian refugees.
Spynova has stayed across southwestern Ontario but has had a difficult time in Canada. As a senior, she is unable to work and is separated from her son, who is living in the U.S. Through the work of MAPH and volunteers that have taken her and others in, she has been able to stay and take language classes, though her future is still uncertain.
As the day went on and people came and left, enjoying Ukrainian food provided by volunteers, songs broke out in the hall.
Spynova was one of the attendees that sang, laughing with the others. Wordofa explained that singing is an important part of such an event. They are showing their positivity in the face of such a devastating situation.
“That’s why they are singing,” Wordofa said. “(They are) showing their respect and that they are still strong, still here.”
MAPH has assisted over 589 people from Ukraine settle in Canada, and according to Wordofa were the first in Canada to start assisting refugees as they came. Although focused on Perth and Huron counties, the organization has also helped newcomers to Canada settle in the counties of Wellington, Oxford, Middlesex, Grey, Bruce, and other municipalities.
Wordofa told StratfordToday that there needs to be more support for newcomers to Canada. Currently, adult refugees are given $3,000 when they enter the country, $1,500 for children, and once that is gone, they are effectively stranded without any support and often without being able to speak English or French.
Wordofa said that his organization is continuing to petition the federal government for more assistance. They need more than just money – they need support, he said.
