Kelowna to mark anniversary of war in Ukraine with candlelight vigil – Okanagan | 24CA News

It was February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

With the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the warfare simply days away, preparations are underway throughout many elements of the world to mark the grim event.

That consists of Kelowna, the place there shall be a candlelight vigil.

“It’s very important to show solidarity with people of Ukraine,” stated Denys Storozhuk, president of Kelowna Stands With Ukraine. “Their morale is, it’s high morale to fight, but it’s low morale to live because they don’t see the end as well to this war.”

Maksym Orlov and his spouse Alla Shymko fled Ukraine solely every week in the past.

Speaking by means of a translator, Shymko stated tearfully that almost year-long air raids nonetheless set off her.

“She still kind of wakes up and gets mobilized and then she realizes that she’s in Kelowna, Canada, and feels safe again.”

The couple plans to attend this Friday’s candlelight vigil — a day that coincides with Orlov’s thirty fifth birthday.

“They would like to celebrate his birthday, not any anniversaries of war,” Storozhuk stated, translating for Orlov.

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The pair mirrored again on when the warfare first broke out.

“Just a year ago, they couldn’t have believed that this could happen,” Orlov stated. “Ukrainians felt (like) brothers with Russians and nobody could believe that this could happen.”

The candlelight vigil hopes to carry collectively a big crowd of supporters, irrespective of their background.

“It’s not only showing support and solidarity but I think if people miss this opportunity, they will regret it later,” Storozhuk stated. “People will feel proud that they’re participating in something big.”

Storozhuk stated the occasion is open to everybody and can embody many Ukrainians who’ve settled in Kelowna up to now yr after fleeing their homeland.

Storozhuk added it’s an opportunity for the group to face alongside them in a time of want.

Elena Radchenko left Ukraine final spring.

She hopes the occasion brings out a big crowd of supporters.

“It’s not like some normal event, it’s like, I understand your pain and I come to share it with you,” Radchenko stated. “I know nothing can help you but I’m here for you. So I think it can help people a lot… just forgive them, a sense they are not alone in this difficult situation.”

The candlelight vigil will start at 5:30 p.m. within the parking zone of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Barlee Road, off Springfield Road.

Candles shall be supplied by donation.

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