Hosting Ukrainian war refugees changes Kamloops man's life for the better
A Kamloops search and rescue volunteer hosted several families seeking refuge from the Russian-Ukraine war over the past two years.
Alan Hobler said the experience was unforgettable changed his life for the better.
“It has given me a new appreciation of life,” he said. “On a Saturday morning I’m in the sun drinking a cup of coffee and one guest comes out telling me his town just got bombed and people he knows are missing. It’s impactful knowing what’s really happening in the world.”
Hobler dedicates his life to helping people in the Kamloops area through search and rescue. When the war broke out in Ukraine he felt an instant need to help. His mother had recently been moved to a care home and he had an extra room available.
He signed up as a host on an internet site and shortly after received an email from the first of six families he's hosted.
“A mother and daughter reached out, they were at the front line when the Russians invaded and they fled as quickly as possible,” Hobler said. “They didn’t have much, two suitcases, very little money in their account, they had to leave everything behind to start a new life in Canada.”
Initially. Hobler didn’t know anything about immigration. He looked around for resources and posted on social media looking for advice. Lots of community members stepped up to help and Kamloops Immigration Services helped put a plan in place to get the family set up with necessary supports.
Once the pair were on their feet and ready to move out, Hobler took in more families.
“Some of them spoke English and some didn’t,” he said. “All of them were going through major emotional transitions, trying to find a safe place to land and someone to help them get oriented.
“The children are affected too. My son was six years old drawing pictures of puppies and rainbows, and one kid was sitting next to him drawing dead bodies and missiles. It was an invaluable life-learning experience for me and my son.”
Of the 14 Ukrainian refugees he's hosted Hobler said some have established roots in Kamloops, some left to for other parts of the country and three went to Europe.
All of them have kept in touch.
“It’s thrilling watching youths come to a new culture and way of life, and watching these families get community support, jobs, tools and new career paths.
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“I came in with no expectations and don’t expect anything from them, just wanted to give a helping hand. But they keep in touch and now I get to stay connected with them.”
Hobler has had lots of people asking questions about what it’s like hosting people from other countries and some are skeptical.
Growing up with anthropologists for parents, Hobler has a history of travelling and is accustomed to seeing other cultures. He grew up living with lots of roommates and is comfortable having new people in his home.
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“I had the room, I had the ability to do it and it was a great opportunity to learn about another culture,” he said. “Many people aren’t comfortable having strangers in their homes. Some friends considered it. For me it was an easy choice. Lots of different types of personalities stayed with me, there was never a problem.”
The need for host families has been slowly dwindling. The biggest challenge is for large families to find accommodation, something Hobler can’t provide.
“I feel bad, I only have one room and there are larger families who are desperate for help,” he said.
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Hobler recommends families interested in hosting should go the Kamloops Immigration Services who will provide proper screening and security.
“I feel really great I was able to help these people, maybe one day I’ll travel to Ukraine.”
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