Hundreds showed support for Ukrainians at a rally held today in St. Catharines as Ukraine repels the invading Russian army.
The rally featured prayers for Ukraine, speeches from elected leaders and walk to Niagara and QEW overpass.
The event started at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, Niagara street through Facer street, ending at the St. George’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church.
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said Ukraine’s Day of Resistance is a call to action for the world to remain steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people.
Mosaic Edition Photos – Rally in support of Ukraine
Ukrainian Canadian Congress Niagara – Folk Arts Festival 2017
Elected leaders present at the event included Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament St. Catharines – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament, Niagara Centre – Walter Sendzik, Mayor City of St. Catharines -Jennie Stevens, Member of Provincial Parliament St. Catharines -Wayne Gates, Member of Provincial Parliament Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the Lake – Jim Bradley, Regional Chair Niagara region and Sal Sorrento Councillor St. George’s ward.
“Canadian Military had been there for years helping Ukrainian military,” said MP Chris Bittle.
“I will be there to speak with Chrystia Freeland who knows the tyranny about Russia, will be there to push for greater sanctions so that Putin needs to know this war has to stop,” he noted.
MPP Jennie Stevens urged everyone to say prayers for Ukraine.
Regional chair, Jim Bradley said, “all of us are deeply saddened as we watched what was going on in Ukraine as an unprovoked attack was launched on the country.”
“It is amazing to see reactions across the world of people standing with Ukrainians,” said Jim Bradley.
He urged Canadians to make donations and attend rallies in support of Ukrainians. “We should remind the world that all of us are Ukrainian today. No matter the religion, ethnic background, all of us stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine,” said Niagara regional chair.
Walter Sendzik, Mayor City of St. Catharines told the rally “The reason why I exist here today is because my grandmother fled Ukraine when Russia was coming in.”
“I remember growing up, how many packages she would send back to family and friends in Ukraine and it was a constant reminder of the struggles of the people of her home country.”
He called on those present at the rally to use their social media to encourage people to donate to funds set up to help those in Ukraine.
Irene Newton, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Niagara called for donations to reputable organizations helping those displaced by the war.
