Former war refugee living in Winnipeg hoping to give back by helping Ukrainian refugees | Globalnews.ca

A former refugee now residing in Winnipeg says the warfare in Ukraine appears all too acquainted, and he’s hoping to assist in any manner he can.

“Our folks went via the warfare in Iraq and in Syria, and we really feel for the Ukrainian folks and what they’ve been going via for the previous 10 or 15 days,” Omar Rahini instructed International Information.

“We all know (what) it’s prefer to really feel the bombs drop and what it’s prefer to be in a warfare nation, not figuring out when it’s your final time, if you’re going to die.”

Rahini lived in a refugee camp in Iraq for 18 years, earlier than coming to Canada in 2001. Within the chaos of warfare, he was separated from his then-fiance, now-wife.

“She obtained misplaced within the warfare and he or she noticed the warfare, and I couldn’t contact her for a few years,” he stated. “After which we discovered her and we went again, she was truly injured within the warfare. Her sisters and my dad (have been) additionally injured.”

Rahini is the founding father of Rent a Refugee, which goals to assist newcomers discover work. He says when he first arrived in Canada, Winnipeg’s Ukrainian neighborhood was extraordinarily supportive of his household. Now he needs to present again in any manner potential, and assist Ukrainian refugees.

“As we got here earlier than, Ukrainians in Winnipeg helped us. So much,” Rahini stated. “We need to for certain give again, we’re so keen to assist. Please, if anyone wants assist with something — donations, furnishings, jobs — we’re prepared. Something for the Ukrainians. We’re prepared day and evening to assist them.”