Submitted by Olga Hallborg
More than 30 people gathered outside of Castlegar City Hall on on Feb. 24 to mark the two years since Russia started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
They included Ukrainians, both those who have been settled in the Kootenays for a long time and newcomers, along with unwavering supporters of Ukraine, who do not have a Ukrainian background, but keep Ukraine deeply in their thoughts and hearts in these challenging times.
Alex Atamanenko, former MP and strong advocate for peace, freedom and independence of Ukraine, could not attend the rally but sent the participants the following message: “Recently I talked with my relatives in Ukraine by phone. One was crying and saying, ‘What have we done to the Russians to deserve this fate?’ Another mentioned that as a child her village during World War ll was occupied by Romanians who at least treated the villagers as human beings, unlike their current ‘Russian brothers’ who are committing atrocities in areas they control.
“We all wonder when this nightmare will end. Sadly, unless Ukraine is victorious, the Ukrainian nation will cease to exist. As the world watches this tragedy unfold before our eyes, it is essential that we increase our military support so that those brave Ukrainian men and women at the front lines will be able to once and for all drive the barbarians off their land.”
Olga Hallborg, a local Ukrainian woman who is also a volunteer coordinator of fundraising efforts on behalf of Maple Hope Foundation, shared that the local efforts in supporting Ukraine were recognized. Maple Hope is a Ukrainian-Canadian non-profit organization based in B.C.
On behalf of the group, Hallborg will be receiving the Hope and Resilience Award from Maple Hope Foundation on March 3 during a fundraising gala in Vancouver Club.
Participants called on the need to continuously remind leaders and politicians of all levels to continue providing Ukraine with financial, humanitarian and especially military aid.
“Supporters of Ukraine need to continue raising awareness about the war in Ukraine and encourage ongoing messages in general media and social media,” says Hallborg.
Hallborg says many participants were willing to continue raising funds for humanitarian help for Ukraine for as long as it takes, and expressed a strong desire to raise money for military equipment such as drones as well.
During the event, the group raised more than $300, which was sent to Maple Hope Foundation for the purchase of medical equipment for Ukrainian hospitals.
Participants left behind a locally-made peace sign in Ukrainian colours and a beautiful grieving wreath made by volunteers in Vancouver, to remind the community about the ongoing tragic losses in Ukraine and the need to support Ukraine in its fight for peace, freedom and independence.
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