Native organizations in Kelowna gathered collectively Saturday afternoon throughout an expo on the Ukrainian Catholic Church to showcase Ukrainian tradition as a solution 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 conflict and made the Okanagan house.
“At this time is about bringing all of the organizations which have been serving to Ukraine, final 12 months, collectively,” stated Bonnie Penner, Bravery Basis founder. “In order that the individuals within the Okanagan can see what we’ve all completed and in order that going ahead, they will discover a solution to take part with serving to Ukraine.”
The expo featured quite a lot of Ukrainian items, together with meals, sweet, garments, and heirlooms. All the pieces was obtainable by donation, and people donations will assist Ukrainians each right here and in Ukraine.
“All the cash raised will go to numerous totally different initiatives — some will go to displaced Ukrainians right here within the Okanagan, some will go to buying medical provides for Ukraine itself,” stated Penner.
Because the conflict enters its second 12 months, some worry help for Ukraine will start to fade.
“The will to assist Ukrainians and Ukraine is hopefully coming again,” stated Denys Storozhuk, President of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine.
“However what occurred a 12 months in the past and the help that we get now could be day and evening, it’s a lot much less. It’s utterly psychological, individuals get uninterested in this conflict and I can perceive that.”
Because the conflict started final February, the Kelowna Stands with Ukraine Group has raised simply over $400,000.
“Three-quarters of this cash if no more was used to purchase provides for Ukraine — physique armor at first after which water filters, turbines. However now we’re extra targeted on serving to Ukrainians right here,” stated Storozhuk.
One other native group, which donated an ambulance to Ukraine final 12 months, is within the course of of buying one other one which’s so large, volunteers describe it as a “hospital on wheels.”
“It could possibly save a lot of lives on the entrance strains, identical with civilians. It could possibly assist extra individuals. This bus may also help 5 to seven individuals,” stated Uliana Kotser, a volunteer with the group We Assist Ukraine.
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