Native organizations in Kelowna gathered collectively Saturday afternoon throughout an expo on the Ukrainian Catholic Church to showcase Ukrainian culture as a method to salute the nation.
The expo was put collectively by the Bravery Basis, which is a co-operative of local people organizations to help Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians who’ve fled the warfare and made the Okanagan residence.
“Right this moment is about bringing all of the organizations which have been serving to Ukraine, final yr, collectively,” mentioned Bonnie Penner, Bravery Basis founder. “In order that the individuals in the Okanagan can see what we’ve all completed and in order that going ahead, they’ll discover a method to take part with serving to Ukraine.”
2:16
One yr anniversary of warfare in Ukraine
The expo featured a wide range of Ukrainian items, together with meals, sweet, garments, and heirlooms. Every part was out there by donation, and people donations will assist Ukrainians each right here and in Ukraine.
Trending Now
Mother struggling to make ends meet left ‘teary-eyed’ after $100 mailed to her by stranger
‘Murdaugh Murders’: The harrowing true story of lifeless household and lacking thousands and thousands
Story continues beneath commercial
“All the cash raised will go to numerous totally different initiatives — some will go to displaced Ukrainians right here in the Okanagan, some will go to buying medical provides for Ukraine itself,” mentioned Penner.
Because the warfare enters its second yr, some worry help for Ukraine will start to fade.
“The need to assist Ukrainians and Ukraine is hopefully coming again,” mentioned Denys Storozhuk, President of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine.
“However what occurred a yr in the past and the help that we get now’s day and night time, it’s a lot much less. It’s utterly psychological, individuals get uninterested in this warfare and I can perceive that.”
2:03
Disinformation is clouding Canadians’ views of Ukraine warfare: PMO
For the reason that warfare started final February, the Kelowna Stands with Ukraine Group has raised simply over $400,000.
Story continues beneath commercial
“Three-quarters of this cash if no more was used to purchase provides for Ukraine — physique armor in the start after which water filters, mills. However now we’re extra targeted on serving to Ukrainians right here,” mentioned Storozhuk.
One other native group, which donated an ambulance to Ukraine final yr, is in the method of buying one other one which’s so huge, volunteers describe it as a “hospital on wheels.”
“It may save numerous lives on the entrance traces, similar with civilians. It may assist extra individuals. This bus can assist 5 to seven individuals,” mentioned Uliana Kotser, a volunteer with the group We Assist Ukraine.
© 2023 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
