Since 1991, members of Canadian Aid for Chernobyl have provided the opportunity for children living in the contaminated areas of Belarus to visit Canada for relief and recuperation from the dangerously radioactive environment. Clean air, water and uncontaminated food result in a marked improvement on the physical health of the children and their immune system. While in Canada, the children receive dental and medical attention not available to them in Belarus. Canadian Aid for Chernobyl receives overwhelming support from area dentists, physicians, opticians, service clubs, organizations, industries, businesses, churches and individuals. This program is limited to Canadian families living within 60 kilometres of Brockville, Ontario.

Deadline for applying to host a child for the summer of 2011 is November 17, 2010.

See below for more information or contact Rhona Dixon by e-mail (click here) or by calling 613.342.2709.

Here is a message from one of our Host Children:

What is hosting?
The act of bringing a child from a radiation contaminated region of Belarus and caring for them in your home for six weeks in the summer.

Why host?
To provide the opportunity for children living in the contaminated areas of Belarus to visit Canada for relief and recuperation from the dangerously radioactive environment.  Clean air, water and uncontaminated food result in a marked improvement on the physical health of the children and their immune system.

What can we expect?
Hosting is a very rewarding experience for your whole family.  Not only do you get the satisfaction of helping someone less fortunate but your children learn about conditions elsewhere in the world.  It’s an experience that helps us all appreciate what we have.

What do we need  to do?
Contact Rhona Dixon by e-mail find out more and to sign up for an information evening.  You will need to fill out an application by November 18, 2009 in order to host for the summer of 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much does it cost?
Although costs can fluctuate, the past few years it has ranged from $1,300 to $2,000 BUT there are many fundraising opportunities available throughout the year!

How will I raise the money?
We have many fund-raising activities that you can participate in to help raise the money.  Many host families raise all of the money through fund-raising and donations.

How do I deal with the language barrier?
The child you host will speak Russian and we bring interpreters over with the children who are only a phone call away.  However it is easier to communicate than you might think.  With the use of a Russian/English dictionary, on-line translator or just pointing and gesturing most day to day communication is pretty easy.  If you have a child around the same age you will find that they develop their own ways to communicate through play and activities.  We also supply you with a Host Guide and the numbers of other host families.  All new families are “buddied” with an experienced host family to help with any questions or concerns.

What will we do with our host child?
Mostly they just fit in with your regular family environment.  Most host families will try to expose their child to sights and activities that they feel they will enjoy.  There are activities that the host families participate in together, for example … BBQ’s, sailing, and Canada’s Wonderland.

My own children go to a sitter while I am at work, what about our host child?
This is a good time to talk with your care giver and explain the situation.  Once you sit down and look at the actual six week period you will discover the actual number of days that you need the sitter is minimal, when vacation and other activities are taken into consideration.  Some care givers will donate this time as the inclusion of a Belarussian child can enhance the program for all of the children.

Who arranges travel?
Canadian Aid for Chernobyl arranges all travel and documentation from Belarus to Brockville and back again.

What if there is a medical emergency?
Included in the cost is medical insurance so that the children are covered during their stay.

What if I have a family emergency?
Although we prefer the child stay with their host family we do have back-up hosts available in the case of an emergency.