Some light rain didn’t dampen the mood for 230 Ukrainian citizens as they arrived in Regina from Poland on a humanitarian flight last night. Also on the flight was Kim Phuc, who was the girl in the famous 1972 Vietnam napalm attack photo, a photo which was on the side of the plane accompanied by the words ‘No War.’

Phuc is a Canadian citizen and travelled from Toronto to take part in the mission that is helping refugees. Phuc gave some advice, “Every day open their mind to learn. It’s a new place, a new life. And people in Canada – government – always have the heart to help them.”

Elena Krueger, the president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatchewan, hopes the refugees will feel welcome. She says, “We hope they will find Saskatchewan a place of refuge and of peace. And we welcome them with all of our hearts.”

Terry Dennis, the Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations says there is a team working to find housing for them and integrate them into an area of the province where they may find fellow Ukrainians.

The passengers will now stay at the University of Regina for the next two weeks to find more permanent housing. They will also receive their health cards as well as getting help with employment, education, community support and more.

CKRM