LYNNE DALCIN used to wake up every morning and tear up watching the news coverage about the Russia-Ukraine War.
So, she decided to do something about it.
In May of 2022, Dalcin hosted two Ukrainian refugees, Yevheniia Vasylkova, her partner and their dog in her home. Together, they navigated intricate government paperwork, learned about each other’s lives and families, and the couple learned how to live in a new country, a new community and a new home.
“As soon as we made the decision to host them, I stopped crying when I watched the news,” says Dalcin.
“It just felt like we could do something tangible in our limited way to help.”
A music teacher by profession, Dalcin has a long history of giving back. She is a volunteer and founding member of the Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts. She also sings with the Airdrie Community Choir and is its librarian.
In 2023, Dalcin hosted another refugee couple from Ukraine for three months.
Nominator Yevheniia Vasylkova says Dalcin is a kind soul who also assisted Vasylkova and her partner’s family to come to Canada.
“She has been continuously supporting us while we lived with them and after we moved out, making sure we become a part of the local community,” says Vasylkova.
“Lynne gave me and my wife hope and proved to us there’s still so much kindness in the world.”