By Andy Corbley
Owners of a nature resort in British Colombia have put renovations on hold to open up the stunning 81-acre property exclusively for housing Ukrainian refugees.
With their goal of hosting 100 people, the owners and operators of The Grouse Nest on Vancouver Island see the fleeing masses as equivalent to their own people, since Brian’s family comes from Ukraine.
“We’ve got 19 people booked to be coming in about two to three weeks,” Brian told Global News Canada. “We’re in a position, in a place, in a time where we could help make a bit of a difference. And I thought, you know, it’s time to stand up and be counted.”
And, wow. The 15,000 square-foot resort, which they were renovating into an event space and gallery, is nestled into a beautiful pine forest and surrounded by a crystal clear lake. The Holowaychuks decided to even reverse some of the work, in order to ensure a livable space for as many people as possible.
Some local contractors volunteered to help, as well.
They’ve renamed their Grouse Nest property “Ukrainian Safe Haven”, and are now leasing the property for $1 a year to a new organization which a local law firm, McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson, helped format into a 501(c)3 nonprofit free of charge.
Ukrainian refugees will be provided with food, education, transportation, and assistance with the settlement process to help get families back on their feet. They are invited to stay as long as they like.
For those who want to help, the Ukrainian Safe Haven is accepting donations and volunteer support on their website.
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