Fundraiser tonight for Ukrainian family coming to Echo Bay

An Elvis-themed fundraiser is scheduled for Friday evening in support of the Ukrainian mother and daughter who are expected to be staying in the area in the near future.

Olga Dovbysh and her 16-year-old daughter Polina were staying in a host house in Europe until recently, said Heather Clouston-Goslow, who is preparing to host them in Echo Bay when they come to Canada.

"I am stressed out because the host house that they were staying at in Amsterdam told them they overstayed their welcome," said Clouston-Goslow. "They gave them one day to leave."

Dovbysh is waiting for a visa to be able to enter Canada and the pair are now staying at a refugee camp until it is approved, said Clouston-Goslow.

Clouston-Goslow has been preparing room in her home for Olga and Polina, but has not been collecting money for the pair. In a previous article she said she is happy to host them but decided against starting a crowdfunding campaign or otherwise collecting money on their behalf.

On Friday, the Lighthouse Community Church in Bruce Mines is hosting a fundraiser for the family at the Johnson Community Centre in Desbarats starting at 7:30 p.m. Michael Catling will be performing the music of Elvis Presley in a show called 'A Walk Down Memory Lane.'

Tickets are available in advance for $20 at M&J Hair Boutique in Bruce Mines or at McClelland's Hardware in Desbarats. The door price for tickets is $25. All proceeds from the show will go directly to Dovbysh when she arrives in Canada.

Pastor Carl Moulton from Lighthouse Church told SooToday the show is not yet sold out, but there are only limited tickets still available. To reserve a ticket, he can be reached by phone at 249-622-2442.

"We don't want to turn anyone away at the door," said Moulton.

The congregation is helping out by staging the show, as well as collecting funds within the church to assist with supplies and other needs as the family settles in.

"We have no expectation for this family to attend our church or anything," said Moulton. "It's kindness for kindness sake."

The church members also worked to secure a job in Sault Ste. Marie for Dovbysh when she arrives.

"They will be out in Echo Bay, so the next project is to get them a car," said Moulton.

In the meantime, all of the family's belongings are being stored in a garbage bag at the refugee camp as they await the visa.

"We don't know if they are coming next week or three weeks from now," said Moulton.