Ukrainians showcase gratitude for Calgarians support in war effort
Posted Sep 18, 2022 11:05 am.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Calgary branch will stage a rally and march from Memorial drive this afternoon from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm to thank Calgarians and Canadians for helping Ukraine.
The UCC will lead the march starting at the corner of Memorial Dr. and 10 St NW to thank everyone from everyday citizens to the government and organizations here in the city.
One of the rally organizers, Viktoriya Samarina who’s from Ukraine, and also hosts refugees in her home, says the march represents a thank you to all Calgarians.
“It’s a little march to say thank you to Calgarians,” said Samarina.
“It all kind of stemmed from having these girls living at my home. And just basically having them wanting to do something that would bring awareness not just to Ukraine but to Canada as well saying that they are grateful that Canadians have taken them in such a great way.”
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Samarina adds, “I noticed a lot of my Canadian friends have asked me the question is the war over and that’s been very interesting because we obviously look into that.”
“But they’ve said that a lot of times they don’t see enough news about the war any longer and so this is to bring a little more attention to it that the war is not over at the time. We are currently getting back our Ukrainian territories but the war is far from being over.”
Samarina says refugees from Ukraine will hold a special announcement and sing the Ukrainian anthem, perform speeches from one of the Ukrainian girls and host a Canadian citizen speaking from their perspective while handing out balloons, bracelets, and other tokens of thanks.
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The organizers say the Ukrainian community notes the efforts of Canadians and their leaders and deeply appreciate their sacrifice.
Canada, along with its allies, has continued to support Ukraine as it fights to defend its sovereignty and democracy against Russia.
The march will begin at Poppy Plaza.
–With files from Adeline Gladu
