As an increasing number of Ukrainian refugee families are settling in southeast Manitoba, more donations are urgently needed.
Denis Vassart with the Ukrainian Settlement Task Force shares what they are looking for.
“One of the main things we're short of are mattresses and bed frames, all furniture. But the biggest thing is mattresses,” adding that mattress donations don’t need to be brand new, they just have to be in good order.
They have helped around 50 families since they started accepting donation drop-offs. However, due to the lack of donated items, in mid-December, they had to put a moratorium on taking orders from families. The urgent need for donations is clear to him and those in the task force.
“When we started this, we rented two c-cans for storage because there wasn't enough space. In December, they went back because we didn't have anything to fill them with anymore. That's how it's changed. We still need more because we have more families coming in.”
Being unable to fill the need has been “sad” for Vassart as he says that he has heard stories of newcomers not having mattresses and searching for them in self-help stores.
He says that their last drop-off day was poor due to the lack of publicity and timing, and they are hoping to turn that around and fulfill orders from newcomers. Their next drop-off day is on Tuesday, January 17 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Southland Church's distribution centre.
Those interested in making monetary donations can visit Southland Church’s Ukrainian Settler Support page.
Here's a full list of items that are needed:
Furniture items:
- Beds/mattresses/cribs/bassinets
- Dressers
- Sofas/loveseats
- Coffee tables/end tables
- Dining tables and chairs
Household items:
- Dish sets
- Cutlery sets
- Kitchen utensils (serving spoons, spatulas, whisks, egg flipper, manual can openers, etc.)
- Mixing bowls
- Cookware (pots and pans/casserole dishes)
- Baking sheets
- Bedding (sheets, blankets, quilts, pillowcases, etc. No pillows please)
- Kitchen/bath linens (tea/hand/bath towels, dishcloths)
Clothing:
- Clothing for men, women and children of all ages
- Coats and Jackets (all seasons)
- Shoes and boots
Items that are ripped, stained, broken or worn out will not be accepted. They will also not accept electrical items of any sort.
With files from Judy Peters.