Ukrainian family arrives in Eston

By Joan Janzen

The community of Eston welcomed newcomers from Ukraine fleeing the Russian conflict to their village last week. The family includes a couple and their four-and-a-half-year-old son.

Mitch Etter, who runs Eston Sheet Metal, a family-owned and operated business, was instrumental in bringing the family to Canada.

“Like anyone who is scrolling through Facebook and sees the tragedy in Ukraine, we stop and think what can I do to help,” Mitch said as he explained his motivation to become involved in bringing a family to Eston. “Fortunately, I am in a position where I have recently acquired a housing complex in Eston and am able to offer employment.”

Mitch said the process moved along swiftly after reaching out to a post on the Elrose page, after which Facebook connected him with a family. “Within a week, the family had plane tickets booked to Saskatoon,” he said.

The family not only booked their flights but also personally funded their trip to Canada. When they landed in Saskatoon on Friday, June 17, Mitch picked them up at the airport and transported them to Eston, where the newcomers were accommodated at the Jamieson Hotel.

Fortunately, Mitch is able to offer jobs within Eston to both the husband and wife. “The husband has an intermediate level of English, while his wife is still learning,” Mitch explained. In the meantime, they will use a translator app to help with communication.

As is the case with all newcomers from Ukraine, the family couldn’t bring many personal belongings to Canada. “But the community has really stepped up and stocked their apartment,” Mitch said.

The community of Eston welcomed the newcomers with open arms and will continue to offer any support needed. “I am available if people have questions about how they can help Ukraine families,” Mitch concluded. He’s hoping that once the family gets settled and established, he will be able to offer the same opportunity to another family.