Sask. man offering free practical skills for Ukrainian newcomers

A Saskatchewan man is offering practical help to Ukrainians who are new to the province.

Russell Scott has worked as a public health inspector since 1986. With so many people coming from Ukraine to flee the war, he wanted to do something that would support their fresh start in a new country.

Through his company, Food Safety 1st, Scott is offering FoodSafe courses to any new Canadians from Ukraine for free.

Scott himself grew up in Melfort.

The course provides certification to handle and prepare food at venues like restaurants, delis, grocery stores, daycares, group homes and extended care facilities.

Scott said any job that requires handling food outside of the home will require this certification. By having the certificate, people can have a better chance at employment and stability through an earned wage.

There are two levels of FoodSafe courses offered by Food Safety 1st. Depending on which level people take, the courses cost between $65 and $173.

The courses aren’t restricted to those in Saskatchewan, either. Scott said because the course is taught online, any Ukrainian person new to the country can get certified with Food Safety 1st free of charge.

“I want to reach out to the Ukrainian people in the system as much as I can,” Scott said.

Taking on this challenge, Scott said he reached out to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) to partner with him.

“I approached them right away with this idea and they were very happy to hear about this,” Scott shared.

The FoodSafe test translated into Ukrainian for two women new to Canada to take online. (Russell Scott/Submitted)

With the UCC, Scott had the FoodSafe test translated into Ukrainian — to better test their course knowledge rather than their language skills.

“I offered that as an extra bonus to them … making them feel safe and secure and welcome,” Scott explained.

So far, four women from Ukraine have taken the course and the final exam.

Two chose to write it in Ukrainian, while two opted to take it in English. All four passed, and one of the women who wrote the English test scored 100 per cent.

Scott said a number of organizations and businesses have offered to support his efforts by funding the books participants need for the FoodSafe course. He’s also hoping more people will offer to help with purchasing books, which cost $15 each, to support more Ukrainians receiving their FoodSafe certifications.

Anyone interested in supporting Scott’s efforts through donation can contact him through Food Safety 1st.