The Times Advocate, 2008-07-30, Page 16Crossroads
16
Times -Advocate
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Zurich host family finds experience rewarding
By Nina Van Lieshout
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
ZURICH — "It's rewarding," says Zurich
resident Patty Groot, whose family is host-
ing a child of Chernobyl for the third time.
Groot says her family loves, "To create an
opportunity for an underprivileged child to
experience a new culture and to learn the
English language."
This summer the Groot fam-
ily, including Patty's husband
Joey, 16 -year-old daughter
Cassie, 15 -year-old son Josh
and nine-year-old son Ben
have welcomed into their
home a 10 -year-old boy from
Belarus.
Dzianis Havarunou has been staying with
the Groots since June. His brother, Artsemi
is also staying with another family close by.
Patty says while her family has hosted
two other girls, this is their first time host-
ing a boy. It is also the first time in Canada
for Dzianis, who speaks little English.
Since arriving Patty says Dzianis has
been able to experience a lot during his
stay.
Dzianis who arrived in Canada with 15
children and an interpreter from the
Gomel region, as part of the Huron County
for Children of Chernobyl have travelled to
Canada's Wonderland, attended Vacation
Bible School in Zurich and more.
The Huron County for Children of
Chernobyl bring a group of children to the
area every summer to build up their
immune system, get fresh air, eat healthy
food and go home with gifts, vitamins and
medication for their families.
Patty says Dzianis also visited the Huron
Dental Clinic for a free check-up, and she's
impressed with the local support the family
has received.
"We are very grateful for the
support received from the
Huron Dental Clinic, Zurich
Vacation Bible School and
Della Gascho who donates her
farm for the first gathering
every year."
Patty also says Dzianis, who
is close in age to her son Ben, has enjoyed
"riding bikes, playing baseball and attend-
ing a soccer group at St. Boniface School."
in Zurich.
Dzianis and the rest of the children go
home Aug. 2, after a six-week stay in
Canada.
Last goodbyes will be held July 31 at 6
p.m. at the Bayfield Square.
On Aug. 2 the children leave at 11 a.m.
from Clinton.
Patty says this visit is another rewarding
experience for her family.
"Here in Canada there is so much we
take for granted that they don't have," says
Patty.
"Here in Canada
there is so much we
take for granted that
they don't have"
PATTY GROOT
Adventures — The Huron County for Children of Chernobyl have held several out-
ings over the summer including, above from left is Exeter's Cassie Eveland , Olga
Filinsakaya from Belarus and Seaforth's Lindsay Dolmage jumping from the doc at
Wildwood outside of St. Marys after an afternoon of sailing. Below from left is Exeter's
Mandy Eveland and Kristina Kostsuchenka from Belarus enjoying a trip to Niagara Falls.
(photos/submitted)
Rewarding experience —The Groot family in
old boy from Belarus for six weeks. From left are
Havarunou of the Huron County for Children of Chernobyl and Zurich's Will
Earl, who has been helping out all summer. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout)
Zurich is hosting a I 0 -year -
son Ben, Patty Groot, Dzianis
11111•1 -
New experiences — Above is ViktoriyaYushchenko from Belarus having fun in
the sun at a barbecue in Clifford. Below is the group of children and their host
families learning how to steer the Dragon boats in Stratford. (photos/submitted)