Americans have certainly been aware of the plight of Ukrainian refugees as they flee the war in their country. Many have given refugees an opportunity by opening their doors, and that includes some who did it in a unique way.
Stefanie Grassley is an American who has enjoyed traveling to many places with her family. Italy is on the list as one of her favorites, and her family lived in Tuscany in 2018, after they purchased Castelo de Ristonchi, which they share about on Instagram, @thecreatorscastle.
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It was a 1000-year-old Castle. Since they purchased it, it has been used to host a variety of events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. When the Ukrainian crisis occurred, however, things began to change.
According to 10 News, Grassley said: “I just don’t have the ability to look away, like I can’t see someone struggling.”
She then reached out to a friend from Ukraine who was married at the castle in an effort to find out what she could do. She put information out on the Shelter for Ukrain website, offering the castle to those who were fleeing the country.
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She was nervous at first but she knew that she had to do something to help the situation. The first family arrived on the scene on March 14 and since that time, up to 50 refugees fleeing Ukraine have been there at any given time. At this point, there are 35 refugees, primarily women, and children.
One of the women who fled Ukraine and is now staying at the Castle is Anna Vasyleska. As per 10 News, she said: “This situation, I could not imagine a better place for us.” She stays at the castle with her mother, sister, and niece.
She said that many who stay at the castle from Ukraine are able to get together for dinners, cook together, and discuss their feelings as they sit and contemplate what has happened in their lives.
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She also says that she continues to tear up when thinking about what she went through and some of the stories she has heard from those of the castle.
“I’ve been on the verge of tears for, just, constantly because it is such a beautiful thing that they can come here and be safe and be together and build a community,” she said.
Anna also talked about how those of the local community have made donations of food and fresh produce. Other items included toys, clothing, and even a variety of services have been offered. They have had Italian yoga classes and even some offers to take them on a hike.
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As far as Grassley is concerned, she just knew that she had something to offer and could not turn a blind eye to what was taking place. She said: “And I have rooms, I have space for people and a lot of people don’t have that.”
Those in need can continue to stay at the castle until the beginning of May.