From Planting Daffodils to Planting New Roots:
One chance encounter, a journey through unimaginable challenges, and a powerful reminder of what Rotary can accomplish through friendship, compassion, and Service Above Self.
Some of the most meaningful Rotary experiences begin with a simple act of community service.
In September 2021, while members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) were planting daffodil bulbs along the community hiking/biking trail, a young mother and her toddler daughter approached us to ask what we were doing and whether they could help. They introduced themselves as Yuliia and Yeva, recently arrived from Ukraine.
Yuliia was interested in learning more about Rotary and soon became involved with our club. In December 2021, Rudi Atkinson had the pleasure of sponsoring her membership at our Christmas celebration. Little did we know how important that connection would become.
A Journey Through Uncertainty
In February 2022, Yuliia, her husband Alex, and Yeva returned to Ukraine to attend to urgent family matters. Just two weeks later, Russia invaded.
Living in Kyiv, the family was forced to flee their apartment when warnings of impending bombing reached them. They packed what they could into their small car and escaped to Yuliia's parents' village in the Poltava region.
Despite the danger and uncertainty, Yuliia made every effort to stay connected with our Rotary club, sometimes travelling to the village community centre simply to access Wi-Fi and join our Zoom meetings.
Throughout their time in Ukraine, Yuliia and Rudi communicated daily. Their dream was to return to Canada, but the journey was dangerous and complicated. It took a year and a half of perseverance before they finally made it back.
On July 17, 2023, Yuliia, Alex, and Yeva arrived in Canada with just five suitcases between them. Alex had been accepted into a program at Fanshawe College in St. Thomas, which would become their new home.
Rotary in Action
This is where the Rotary family truly demonstrated the meaning of Service Above Self.
Members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Jennifer Rogers of Port Dover, and the St. Thomas Rotary Club came together to help furnish and equip the family's basement apartment. Through donations, household necessities, and practical assistance, Rotarians helped give them a fresh start.
RCNS members are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward. Their generosity demonstrated that Rotary is much more than an organization or a weekly meeting. It is a family of people who care and are willing to help when it matters most.
Building a New Life
What Yuliia and Alex have accomplished since arriving in Canada is remarkable.
Yuliia began working on the factory floor at Takumi Stamping Canada Inc., while Alex attended Fanshawe College full-time. Through hard work and determination, Yuliia earned two promotions, moving into the office. While continuing to work full-time, she completed Fanshawe's Human Resources Management program in 2025. Today, she is a Human Resources Specialist at Takumi.
Alex graduated from Fanshawe in 2024 in Mechanical Engineering – Industrial Maintenance and now works as a CNC Operator at Element5. Their daughter Yeva is thriving in Grade 2 at St. Anne's School.
The family has also purchased a home and is busy renovating it to make it their own. They have worked tirelessly to establish a secure and fulfilling future in Canada.
A Full-Circle Rotary Moment
Recently, Rudi had the wonderful privilege of joining the family in London to witness Yuliia, Alex, and Yeva become Canadian citizens.
As she stood with them, she thought back to that September afternoon when a young mother and her little girl simply asked if they could help plant daffodils.
What began as a community project blossomed into a friendship that endured through war, uncertainty, and the challenges of starting over in a new country.
For Rudi and the members of RCNS, this is the full circle of Rotary. We plant bulbs in the hope that something beautiful will grow. We welcome new members, build friendships, and reach beyond our own communities to help others. Sometimes, years later, we see just how far those connections can reach.
Yuliia asked me to share this message with her Rotary family:
"I love you all. We are grateful for everything everyone did to help us settle here, to feel at home, and to support us. Hugs to you all!"
To everyone who helped Yuliia, Alex, and Yeva along the way, thank you. Your kindness and generosity made a lasting difference.
We began by planting daffodils together. Today, we celebrate a family that has planted new roots, built a home, found a place to belong, and become Canadian citizens.
That is Rotary. That is the power of connection. And that is the Rotary family at its very best.
