The Château Sainte-Marie Residence Welcomes a Ukrainian Family

20 July 2022

Since June 26, the life of our residents and colleagues in Cogir’s Château Sainte-Marie retirement home has been tinted with shades of blue and yellow. That’s right! After fleeing their war-torn country and sheltering in a Moldavian gymnasium for three months, a Ukrainian family obtained their plane tickets and visas, allowing them to undertake their long trek to Montreal. The only problem: where could they find housing?

A favourable set of circumstances combined with a surge of generosity led the Château’s management to contact the family through Facebook CANADA – Host Ukrainians / Hébergeons les Ukrainiens. In short order, the residence welcomed them, and Julie Bouchard, the general manager, travelled to Montreal to greet them as they disembarked from the aircraft.

“I still have trouble in finding the words to express my happiness upon seeing their smiling faces. They are extremely nice people, and their gratitude is limitless. Despite having an open work permit, they wish to work at the Château as soon as possible,” says Ms. Bouchard. “The gentleman speaks English. His wife and daughter only know Ukrainian. However, thanks to modern technology, we are able to communicate rather well. The young lady has even begun to organize dance performances for the residents, alongside our leisure officer. We feel blessed to have them with us every day, and our residents are delighted with their presence,” adds Ms. Bouchard.

The residence’s team members provide support in helping them to integrate. They assist the family in opening bank accounts, obtaining their social insurance numbers, registering the young lady in school and providing French language lessons for the whole family.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to have such a rewarding experience. There is no question. My advice to anyone thinking of providing shelter to a Ukrainian family is that they should not hesitate and just go ahead,” concludes Ms. Bouchard, with a smile.

About Cogir Real Estate

Incorporated in 1995, Cogir Real Estate employs close to 5,500 people who are passionate about real estate. With our constant desire to give purpose to real estate, we strive to maintain a human focus, to create and to excel in our quest to design living environments that are pleasant, functional and a reflection of their occupants. Our team manages over 280 properties throughout Canada and the United States. We oversee 5 million square feet of commercial property and 34,800 housing units, including more than 75 privately owned seniors’ residences. The Cogir Foundation supports projects and causes involving four major domains, namely youth, seniors, cultural diversity and the environment.