What can we do for the Ukrainians?
When war broke out in Ukraine, this question began to haunt Francine Sabourin, president of the residents’ committee of Manoir Outremont, a private residence for the elderly.
“We can get informed, we can be indignant, we can pray… But concretely, what can we do? asked the retired teacher.
And if the residence welcomed Ukrainians?
Knowing that there were vacant apartments at the Manoir Outremont, Ms.me Sabourin asked management if it was possible to book one for a hosting project. “I had a meeting with the director, Richard Perreault. Very spontaneously, I asked him the question. He immediately said to me: “Yes, we are on board!” »
The heart was there. The apartment too. All that remained was to find Ukrainians ready to be adopted by a merry army of Quebec grandparents.
Mme Sabourin tried to find Ukrainian associations that could help him. In vain. Until a friend told her about a TV report on female students from Kharkiv welcomed as part of a program organized in an emergency by the University of Montreal. It was specified that they needed accommodation.
The same day, M.me Sabourin contacted the university to propose its intergenerational reception project.
This is how the 1er last November, the residence was able to welcome Maryna and Katrin.
Maryna, an 18-year-old political science student, was surprised the first time she set foot there. “In Ukraine, there are no residences like this! Families most often take care of their elders at home. “It’s really interesting to see how things are going here. »
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Maryna studies political science at the University of Montreal.
During their first visit to the residence, the two students did not yet know if they were going to live there. But they were immediately charmed by the welcome of the people, who were obviously in a hurry for them to move among them.
“People were really nice…”
Maryna turns to Mme Sabourin, seated by her side.
” Truly ! Thanks very much !
“She always says thank you!” », Launches, with an embarrassed smile, the instigator of the project, emphasizing that it was first of all a pleasure for her to make herself useful.
Prior to their arrival, with two residents, Ms.me Sabourin formed a small welcoming committee for the students. “To be a bit like their mum or their grandma here. »
They carefully prepared their accommodation as if it were for their own children.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Francine Sabourin, president of the Manoir Outremont residents’ committee, is at the origin of the reception project.
We had a blast filling this apartment. It was already furnished, but not suitable for female students. There was no bookcase or work table. We made sure they had everything they needed. Sheets, dishes…
Francine Sabourin, president of the residents’ committee of the Manoir d’Outremont and at the origin of the project
Thanks to the voluntary contribution of residents, the committee also ensured that the two students had a small amount of money each month to pay for internet, groceries, laundry…
Maryna was touched by the efforts and the small attentions of the committee with a big heart. “They had thought of everything… It was really cute! And we were offered flowers, yellow and blue like the colors of the Ukrainian flag. I love flowers. I thought to myself, “Wow! OKAY ! I stay here !” »
Mme Sabourin had planned to organize a welcoming ceremony to introduce the two Ukrainian students to the residents shortly after their arrival. But COVID-19 forced her to revise her plans. The very moving evening finally took place on the 1er December, one month to the day after their arrival.
Mme Sabourin told the genesis of his project. Maryna and Katrin thanked the residents for their welcome. Then there was a minute of silence for Ukraine. In the dining room, we have a thought for the Ukrainians, for whom this holiday season will be anything but festive.
Maryna was moved.
I thought it was really important that the residents understand that even if it’s difficult for us, we are here… It’s really easier than for the people who still stay in Ukraine.
Maryna
Maryna, who, at only 18, has the maturity of those who have come back from afar, would like not to have to think about the war anymore. To no longer have to worry about those who stayed. To no longer see depressing news. “It’s really tiring to see that day after day. But at the same time, it’s important to talk about it. Because winter will be the hardest time. Without light and without heating, it is really painful. »
The war has changed Ukrainians’ outlook on life, she observes. The contrast with those who have the luxury of living in peace is striking. “People there, they understand that it’s really important to be close to friends and family. Because you understand that life is short and you have to enjoy every moment. That’s why sometimes my Ukrainian friends who stayed there, even with very little battery for their phone, really write more often than my friends here! It is a great paradox…”
Mme Sabourin wanted his intergenerational reception project to have an educational component. The priority is for these students fleeing the war to be in a peaceful and welcoming environment that allows them to focus on their studies, improve their French and learn alongside the elderly people they meet. But learning goes both ways, she stresses. “We too can learn from their history, their courage and their resilience. »
The two students are constantly challenged by curious residents. “Oh! So it’s you, the Ukrainians! »
The conversations in the elevator and the bonds that are woven with the residents are so many windows on Quebec culture and traditions, says Maryna.
“Now I have a lot of grandmothers and grandfathers here! »