Ukraine couple welcomed with open arms by Crosshill community

Paul and Hanna Zakhariuta fled from the ongoing war and are now settled with jobs and a flat thanks to a local employer and the generosity of those who call the area home.

The husband-and-wife now work together at Re-Employ, and have been overwhelmed by the reception they have received from locals.

Speaking to the Times this week, the social enterprise's Irene Donaldson said the pair arrived with just one suitcase and the clothes they were wearing, but now have jobs, safe accommodation and neighbours they can call friends.

She said: "Their apartment at home in Ukraine was flattened.

"They couldn't even go for a walk nearby in the woods due to unexploded bombs and trip wires in the area.

"So you can imagine their reaction when they saw Lochore Meadows. They thought it was superb. I think they go there every day for a walk now.

"They are now safe for the first time in a long time. Paul's mother was sobbing on the phone to him just recently as she was so happy and full of joy that they had met us all and are settled here.

"You can only hope that if Scottish people were ever in the same predicament as the people of Ukraine are right now for any reason, that other nations would also show the same passion and consideration that Scotland has.

"The community in Crosshill and surrounding areas like Glencraig have totally embraced both Paul and Hanna and we are so happy they are here."

Paul, 30, arrived with his wife and immediately started looking for work, and applied for a vacancy with Re-Employ - a position which had been advertised for more than a month with no candidate deemed suitable.

"Paul came in for an interview and immediately we knew he was ideal for the position," Irene said. "However, we had to start finding accommodation for them. I can only say it was a concerted effort; the area really came together.

"We found a flat for them and they immediately took it."

Upon hearing of Paul and Hanna's arrival, local residents started to provide goods and essentials that they would need.

"Before long, they had a fully-furnished one-bedroom flat," Irene continued.

"The community have been absolutely fabulous, as have Fife Council. "David (Farrell) and John (Gilfillan) gifted them a new bed and a TV to the couple, and so many others handed in donations to them.

"Everyone helped."

Paul and Hanna, 26, were so touched by the kindness afforded to them, that they wished for an open night to be held so they could personally thank those who contributed.

"They really wanted to speak to people and say thank you," Irene said.

"The word went out that there was a new, young couple here and before you knew it there were offers to help coming from everywhere.

"Paul and Hanna have never known a community like this before.

"Everything is new to them, but everyone has been there for them."

Although it was Paul who had applied for the position with Re-Employ, Hanna also found herself employed after a conversation led to a coincidental discovery.

"Hanna's actually a media expert, who's now building a new website for us as we speak.

"We ended up employing both of them. They had the right attitude and they were perfect for the positions we had available.

"It was a series of events that has led to this, and they are such a brilliant addition.

"Although it was Re-Employ who gave them employment, it was the people of Crosshill and beyond that embraced them."

The main contributors were: John Gilfillan (Funeral Directors), David Farrell, Collin Brown, Stuart Don (Fife Council), Benarty Community Shop, and staff at BRAG.