It has been a trying few months for Iana Shapovalova and her family, as the 19-year-old Ukrainian poured every second of her spare time into studying and implementing Canada’s visa laws to bring over extended family members from the war-torn country.
Shapovalova started a gofundme, “Help Rescue 8 Ukrainian Families”, back in February. When The Record last spoke to the teenager in March, the fundraising campaign had reached just over $16,000. As of Aug. 1, Shapovalova has managed to raise $41,320 with a goal of $49,480.
And she has already brought over six Ukrainian families. The donations have been used to help her extended family settle into their new homes. Shapovalova said a local church also got involved to assist with transportation and rent. She noted the process has become easier.
“It definitely has been, but probably because now I have experience. Back then I had to start from scratch and read lots and lots of articles and just government regulations, lots of calls with ministers, too. I have a bunch of contacts now, which is awesome,” said Shapovalova.
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