Alaska welcomes its first Ukrainian refugees

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – About 50 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Alaska with the assistance of a corporation that’s paying for aircraft tickets to get them away from the Russian invasion of their nation.

Anchorage Group Growth Authority Government Director Mike Robbins’ spouse is from Ukraine, and mentioned he was moved to do extra for the Anchorage-based New Likelihood Inc. Ukrainian Reduction Program when he heard a narrative a few Ukrainian lady who gave up 5 seats on a flight that was scheduled to carry her household to Alaska.

“One of many volunteers referred to as somebody and the lady mentioned, ‘effectively I don’t suppose I’m going to come back,’ and she or he mentioned ‘do you thoughts if I ask why’ and she or he mentioned, ‘effectively, as a result of my sons are useless.”’

Robbins was moved by the story of loss from residents within the war-torn nation.

“Mainly she mentioned she she didn’t have something to dwell for,” Robbins mentioned. “That was the day I actually determined that I simply wasn’t doing sufficient.”

Because the volunteer Monetary Chair of the Reduction Program, Robbins has helped increase $750,000, together with two $150,000 donations from the Rasmuson Basis and Weidner Condo Houses.

The unique plan was to make use of the cash to carry 600 Ukrainians to Alaska on three chartered jets, however a change on the federal degree blocked the plan. Nevertheless, Robbins mentioned the funding will go a lot additional on business flights.

“The good thing about it’s, whereas we don’t have this huge group coming in , we are literally going to have the ability to carry extra individuals, as a result of the price is, proper now, it’s lower than a 3rd of the price per individual of the constitution flights,” Robbins mentioned.

The Ukraine Reduction Program web site helps to match Ukrainians with jobs and housing everywhere in the state. Robbins mentioned dozens of employers have promised to rent Ukrainians once they arrive.

Robbins mentioned many of the new arrivals have ties to Alaska and are staying with households, however they’re additionally on the lookout for individuals keen to sponsor refugees. That course of is defined on the New Likelihood Inc. aid program web site in addition to different volunteer alternatives for individuals who wish to assist.

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