Vancouver joins ‘Stand with Ukraine’ rally

People gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery to stand in support of Ukraine on Saturday, marking the two year anniversary of the Russia’s invasion.

Forty other ‘Stand with Ukraine’ rallies are being held across Canada Saturday as well.

Canadian Ukrainian groups are drawing attention to the crisis, saying the need for humanitarian aid is greater than two years ago.

“Our primary focus is on food security, medical care, emergency shelter, and mental health support for the displaced persons in Ukraine,” said the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

According to the U.N., more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and over 20,000 injured. Some Canadian groups are trying to bring renewed attention to the war in Ukraine.

“Every day, Russia launches airstrikes missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. On the Eastern Front, there are heavy battles going on every day. Every day, Ukrainians are fighting and dying,” said the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

The Canada Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress have updated their humanitarian campaign for Ukraine.

“We’ve supplied 28 ambulances to Ukraine. The latest addition to that is 100 life support systems,” they said. Money has also been used for food and medicine.

They say that more than $70 million has been raised for Ukraine.

“Approximately 50 per cent of the budget has been spent on producing 700,000 food boxes. Each food box is approximately 14 kilograms of food products. And this lasts the family for three to four weeks,” they said.

The organization says there are many ways Canadians can help.

“It’s important for Canadians to advocate to their politicians that Ukraine needs our support,” said the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

With files from Irene Preklet.