Michael Garnett has experience denying pucks. Over the course of a nearly two-decade career, the former professional hockey goalie competed in the Western Hockey League, National Hockey League, and Kontinental Hockey League.
He and his wife Rebecca Rider are now assisting individuals impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine after hanging up the pads and skates and retiring from hockey.
In order to get persons who want to leave the Ukraine into Poland, where they can book flights and handle the arrangements to bring them to Canada, they assist those who want to leave.
We rented a van and transported migrants from the border to train stations and humanitarian centres after getting in touch with a Polish organisation that provides transportation because it is a major problem.
Garnett helps refugees through his nonprofit company Help From Canada.
He wanted to reach out and offer assistance in any way he could because his family is Ukrainian, which is another motivation.
“Seeing rockets, bombs, and shooting in Ukraine and Kyiv, somewhere I’ve visited before and played hockey before, it really made me feel unsteady. For this cause, we completely from scratch founded a charity.
They applied for charity status on July 7 and by the end of August, they were approved.
When people back home learned about the work the Garnetts were doing, they wanted to contribute money for supplies, food, and other essentials.
They have so far assisted about 200 Ukrainians in beginning their lives in Canada.
When you go over there, you can hear the air raid sirens, witness some of the devastation, and maybe even empathise to these people a little bit. Having been there experiencing that, a little taste, you can see the relief in them they get out.
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He claims that his hockey career has made it possible for him to devote his full time to volunteering. He also speaks Russian, which is quite helpful when helping Ukrainians.
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It was really emotional, but also very satisfying, to realise that by inspiring them and using a little bit of Russian, I was able to influence them in some way.
Garnett continues, “The need for assistance isn’t going away and probably won’t any time soon.” He and Rebecca will stay on to assist as long as it is required.
Russia announced its invasion of Ukraine in February.
Up till now, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan have provided amazing support.
Need assistance, money to purchase aeroplane tickets for individuals to visit Canada; they already have visas and hosts in the country; all they need is a plane ticket, according to Garnett.
“We are making progress and inviting as many people as we can here. Over the past few weeks and months, the need for assistance has been worse. Due to their hosting of refugees, Europe is bearing the brunt of this.
They have host families in Canada, the biggest hurdle right now is just plane tickets. ”
Any donations can be forwarded to HelpFromCanada.org, according to Garnett.
Former NHL player and native of Saskatoon aiding Ukrainian immigrants
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