Ukrainian culture showcased in Kelowna, B.C. expo | 24CA News
Local organizations in Kelowna gathered collectively Saturday afternoon throughout an expo on the Ukrainian Catholic Church to showcase Ukrainian tradition as a strategy to salute the nation.
The expo was put collectively by the Bravery Foundation, which is a co-operative of area people organizations to assist Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians who’ve fled the conflict and made the Okanagan residence.
“Today is about bringing all the organizations that have been helping Ukraine, last year, together,” stated Bonnie Penner, Bravery Foundation founder. “So that the people in the Okanagan can see what we’ve all accomplished and so that going forward, they can find a way to participate with helping Ukraine.”
The expo featured a wide range of Ukrainian items, together with meals, sweet, garments, and heirlooms. Everything was out there by donation, and people donations will assist Ukrainians each right here and in Ukraine.
“All the money raised will go to various different initiatives — some will go to displaced Ukrainians here in the Okanagan, some will go to purchasing medical supplies for Ukraine itself,” stated Penner.
As the conflict enters its second yr, some worry assist for Ukraine will start to fade.
“The desire to help Ukrainians and Ukraine is hopefully coming back,” stated Denys Storozhuk, President of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine.
“But what happened a year ago and the support that we get now is day and night, it’s much less. It’s completely psychological, people get tired of this war and I can understand that.”
Since the conflict started final February, the Kelowna Stands with Ukraine Organization has raised simply over $400,000.
“Three-quarters of this money if not more was used to buy supplies for Ukraine — body armor in the beginning and then water filters, generators. But now we are more focused on helping Ukrainians here,” stated Storozhuk.
Another native group, which donated an ambulance to Ukraine final yr, is within the course of of buying one other one which’s so huge, volunteers describe it as a “hospital on wheels.”
“It can save lots of lives on the front lines, same with civilians. It can help more people. This bus can help five to seven people,” stated Uliana Kotser, a volunteer with the group We Help Ukraine.
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