A New Beginning: How the Canadian Sunflower Foundation Provides Homes and Hope

When Ukrainian families fled the war and arrived in Canada, many had little more than a suitcase and the hope for a safer future. While big cities offered temporary shelters, rural areas had more job opportunities—but finding and affording housing was a huge challenge. That’s where the Canadian Sunflower Foundation stepped in.
The foundation made it their mission to help Ukrainian newcomers find and finance housing. They worked closely with landlords, local businesses, and volunteers to secure apartments in areas where jobs and schools were available. But moving to a new town wasn’t easy, especially for families without a support networks.
To make the transition smoother, the foundation assembled asmall team of volunteers dedicated to helping families move to their new communities. Whether it was a job offer in a rural town or a university placement, the team organized transportation, helped pack belongings, and made sure every family had what they needed to settle in.
One of the foundation’s biggest achievements was purchasing a house in Owen Sound to serve as a home for a family in need. The house needed work, but with the help of a group of volunteers, it could be renovated. Walls were painted, floors were repaired, and furniture was donated to make it feel like a real home.
Now, a Ukrainian family of four—a mother, father, and their two young sons—live there rent-free. The older boy is thriving in school, making new friends and enjoying his new life in Owen Sound.
Thanks to the Canadian Sunflower Foundation, this family and many others have found more than just a house—they’ve found a home, a future, and a fresh start in Canada. 🏡🌻