Ukrainian families recover lost airline luggage
Posted Apr 18, 2023 12:10 pm.
A pair of Ukrainian families whose luggage was lost by Canadian airlines were finally able to recover them two weeks later.
CityNews first reported on the families who had to leave the airport empty-handed after their airline lost all their bags in early April.
Since then, a lot changed for these two families.
“When you only have two bags for five people, you’re only bringing important things. Things that they really wanted to have,” Saul said.
“All three of their bags, they didn’t have any when you saw them last. They got all three, and they’re off to Red Deer.”
Background: Lost Ukrainian luggage highlights oversight need: advocate
The first family relocated, and now has settled in a Ukrainian community in Red Deer. The second family also recovered their two bags and is trying to settle themselves in Calgary.
“It’s so good because, in our luggage, we have important things for us,” Marta Shismilo told CityNews.
Sharon and her husband are not only hosting this Ukrainian family, they’re doing everything they can to ease their transition to their new country.
This includes helping them with their English, which is one of the biggest barriers they have.
“We try not to speak Ukrainian at the dinner table, but that’s made some of our dinners pretty quiet, which has been comical,” Saul said amid laughter.
“But you know, every day, you learn a little bit more.”
Related Stories:
-
Ukrainian evacuees’ luggage lost by Canadian airlines
-
Calgarians’ kindness helping Ukrainian family settle
-
Alberta providing $4.32M to help Ukrainians find temporary living
After covering the story, people reached out to help and offered one of the family members a job opportunity.
“Vlodimir’s gotten a job, and he’s such a positive, upbeat guy,” Saul said.
“It’s just wonderful to see him engaged and happy about it, going every day and coming home. He is tired, he’s worked hard, and he’s loving it,” Saul said.
Soon the girls will be registered in school with the hope that the mother will also be able to find a job, all so they can find their own accommodation.
They understand the challenges of starting over in a new country, but they are optimistic.
“In the future, it will be great for us. Mom and Dad will be fine here,” Shismilo said.
