Winnipeg couple preparing to welcome family members fleeing Russia’s war in Ukraine

A Winnipeg couple who immigrated to Canada themselves are now preparing to help displaced family members fleeing the war in Ukraine.

A Winnipeg couple who immigrated to Canada themselves are now preparing to help displaced family members fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Valerie Alipova, a pastor at Bethel Mennonite Church who came to Canada from Ukraine in 2015, and her partner Jim Cheng, who immigrated to Canada from Taiwan, are making room in their Charleswood home for Alipova’s sister and her two children who are currently staying in the Czech Republic after leaving Ukraine two days after the war broke out.

“I think they’re tired,” Alipova said. “It’s exhausting not to be at home. Not to be with your family and just being in a stranger’s home. We’re looking forward for them to be here and maybe be at rest for the first time in three weeks.”

Alipova’s sister, Alina, 30, and children Tima, nine, and Mia, four, are among nearly three million people in Ukraine who have fled since Russia invaded on Feb. 24.

Oleg, Alina’s husband and Tima and Mia’s father, is a small business owner and remains in Ukraine where he’s been driving people to the border who are fleeing the fighting.

Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country.

Cheng said that part has been especially difficult for Mia.