“There’s many women with young children here who have arrived in the last three months…the government gives each family $3,000, and that’s all the money they will receive. Some organizations are giving housing for 6 months…most of them don’t speak English so they’re learning English…Imagine someone saying to you ‘Pack a suitcase and off you go because that’s what you have to do,'" says Popiel.

St. Michael The Archangel is playing a very important in welcoming the new families, Popiel adds.

"The church is the place where people gather and create community, it’s a support structure…they receive help from the various parishioners,” says Popiel.

Popiel’s Sunflower paintings are available for $20 each, while a dozen frozen perogies are $10.

The fundraiser runs Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Listen to the CFRC story below: