Edmontonians urged to donate furniture to help rising number of Ukrainian newcomers

Tetiana Protsenko and her family fled war-torn Ukraine with almost nothing.

The Ukrainian newcomers arrived in Edmonton in February, one year after Russia invaded their home country.

“We come with only our bag and nothing more because it’s impossible to bring your whole life in Ukraine, so we come here with one bag, nothing more,” Protsenko told CityNews.

In Canada, the family is receiving the support they need thanks to places like the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse, which is helping them furnish their new home.

Last week alone, more than 1,100 newcomers arrived in Alberta – nearly double the number from recent weeks and months.

The increase in the number of families arriving in Canada means donated goods are disappearing just as quickly.

RELATED: Alberta announces new funding to support Ukrainian newcomers

It’s led the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse to ask for donations from the community to help support Ukrainian newcomers.

“As the war continues on, as more Ukrainians come, the need here is only going to continue,” said volunteer Jamie Hanlon. “As I said, we have about 400 families coming through here each month. Folks here need anything that anyone starting fresh or new needs for their homes.”

Stack of mattresses at Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse on March 26, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Laura Krause)

To deal with the influx of newcomers, Hanlon says the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse increased its opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays. But that’s still not enough, he says.

“There were approximately 1,100 Ukrainian nationals that made their way to Edmonton last week, so that is a record number of what we’ve received so far into the city,” he said. “We’re going to see that coming through here as well, which means the need for donations, the need for furniture is only going to increase.

“We’ve found in the last few weeks we’ve had greater number than we’ve had in the last few months.”

Dressers, dining tables, mattresses needed

The Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse is in dire need of dressers, dining tables and chairs, living room furniture, and mattresses – all items Protsenko was grateful to receive on Sunday.

“I feel so happy because we found all the things we need,” she said. “A bed, a sofa and a table and chairs, and all the things we need for our home.”

The federal government recently extended their emergency visa application period for Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country for another four months; it was originally set to expire at the end of March.

WATCH: Canada extends Ukraine visa program

Hanlon expects the demand at the warehouse to remain high, and says volunteers are doing everything they can to ensure Ukrainian newcomers aren’t left empty handed when they arrive in Canada.

“We’re going to have to respond to that number, we’re going to have to respond as best as we can with what we have here, to make sure the Ukrainian newcomers get what they need, as much as they can from here,” said Hanlon.

“Alberta has always been known as a very generous place, it doesn’t matter what the tragedy is, Albertans have always given however they possible can. We have volunteers that you see walking around today, who are actually Ukrainian nationals that are now giving back and helping, just sort of a way to say thanks for what they have received here.”