We all are aware the high level of compassion Nova Scotians show for one another and how dedicated they are to help "others in trouble". When Russia invaded Ukraine just over three months ago, my thoughts focused on "what can we do to help?"

After a lot of thought and learning Nova Scotia is already home to over 9,000 of Ukranian descent, like a lightening bolt it struck me, we should become leaders in welcoming Ukrainians who are fleeing the ravages of war and need a safe welcoming place to call, "their new home".

Then I wondered how the Shoreline Journal could become a catalyst to make it happen. Finally, I settled on developing a Facebook page / site, which would encourage Nova Scotians to provide safe lodging for two or three months, for Ukrainians, who had been approved for immigration to Canada.

Finally, our technical people have been able to develop and launch within the past week, a Facebook site - facebook/com/welcomeukrainens

This Page is completely open to the public for any to post on or ask questions; it's not a Private Group page, no membership needed. You can choose to Like or Follow it to keep up with ongoing postings. (If communicating with others via an email use: www.facebook.com/welcomeukrainens and it should be a live link. If printing it or giving it out verbally you just say: facebook.com/welcomeukrainens . No capitals are required, no www.)

As publisher, I did not want to complicate things, or for people to assume, we were going to be involved in the approval process, or sourcing people wishing to relocate to Nova Scotia. The objective was to develop a database or listing of people who would wish to provide accommodations or billet Ukrainian refuges into their home for a short period of time, provide accommodations, food and help get them situated. Information on our capacity to accommodate will be shared with appropriate government departments.

Ideally, based on our level of compassion, I set a target for Nova Scotia to accommodate 10,000 to 20,000 immigrants. Yes, it is a large number, but if we collectively decide to move forward we can do it. As homeowners, and business executives, we are investing time, money and our expertise to provide a new home, but think of it this way:

Nova Scotia has a shortage of labour in all areas: hospitality, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. A large number of them can help build a stronger Nova Scotia and be contributors to our economic betterment.

After watching many, many hours of television reporting, I personally am amazed at high level of proficiency of Urkrainians, especially their command of the English language. My confidence is extremely high a large number of refugees from Ukraine would help to increase population in rural Nova Scotia; provide more students for rural schools, and with their talents and work ethic we would be happy to have them part of our society and working with us to build a better Nova Scotia.

Rural residents, for decades, have been heroic in helping each other. In each of the rural communities, people work together and each community has a leader. Here is what I hope will happen. Leaders in the community will take up the challenge, consult with their neighbours, develop a list of families wishing to accommodate Ukrainians and how many they can accommodate. By developing a list of accommodators in each community the immigrants will not be alone, as there would be several other families / people who have suffered the same fate of being invaded by Russia and driven from their homes.

Along the shore from Truro to Parrsboro there are many large homes, which are occupied by an older couple who could accommodate three or four people or more. If we extend the arm of friendship, it is amazing what could be accomplished.

I am hopeful if we work together to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, we go far beyond our local community, by reaching out to friends and relatives in other areas, and promoting the idea on Facebook. Here’s a simple to do list:

• Seek help from others in your community to see who will accommodate, how many can be accommodated locally, to develop some critical mass for each area. (Gather the names and number jas if a petition).
• Post the number of participants and how many they will accommodate.
• Send email to: maurice@theshorelinejournal.com, so we can record the capacity information of the community.
• When we have developed some critical mass, we will share more detailed information with the powers that be with names of community collectors, accommodators, and numbers to be hosted submitting information to required government departments.
• Contact friends and relatives in other communities, to do local canvassing.
• Let’s build an informal group to communicate regularly, post updates on Facebook, and strive to accommodate as many Ukrainian refugees as possible.
• Can we reach the target of 10,000 – 20,000?

If you have questions, advice, concerns please contact me at 902-890-9850 or maurice@theshorelinejournal.com