Our Ukrainian population in Portage la Prairie grew by four on Tuesday. One of the organizers helping Ukrainians make our city their home, Blair Hordeski, says two mothers and their children just arrived in the city of possibilities.

"We're just getting them settled, and so that's some exciting news to share and more to come," says Hordeski.

He notes Ukraine has many more women coming to Canada than men due to the fact that men are required to stay and assist in the current war taking place.

"The men particularly are not what we're seeing that it is mothers and children coming," notes Hordeski. "But there are some men who may have been working outside of Ukraine who are allowed to come. For our job fair in particular, there will be some men seeking employment as well."

Hordeski explains Portage has employers looking for employees and some Ukrainians are coming looking for work. 

"We've just initially seen that the transportation piece has been a hurdle for some of our newcomers," adds Hordeski. "So, we have received some donations of bicycles and that has been a good fix for right now, but we know that this summer season is short-lived. It's something that will be a hurdle that we really want to work together with employers to help get these great employees to them."

A job fair to help Ukrainians find employment is taking place on July 21st.