Vigil planned for Wolfville
The Wolfville Area InterChurch Council is holding a prayer vigil for Ukraine on March 10. It will be the third to take place in the community since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Vlad and Elena Zamlynny began standing with a Ukraine flag in Clock Park shortly after the initial incursion on Feb. 24.
Vlad told the close to
100 people attending the March 5 rally that he stands for his 62-year-old brother who is helping to defend his country.
Another Acadia University faculty member in the politics department, Inna Viriasova, spoke along with Wolfville Mayor Wendy Donovan.
Lesia Ukrainka’s poem Contra Spem Spero! was read aloud.
“I’ll have hope despite all odds, I will live! Away, you sorrowful thoughts!”
Wolfville resident Hope Gillis organized a second rally, which moved around the downtown and joined the peace vigil at the post office. That vigil has been held for more than 20 years.
Gillis handed out a list of charitable organizations that are contributing aid to Ukraine. She noted the federal government will match any donations made to the Red Cross.
The Zamlynnys plan to continue standing with their blue and yellow flag on weekdays from 5 to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to noon.
The prayer vigil planned by Wolfville area churches is set for 6 p.m. in Clock Park.
The Canadian Red Cross has launched the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
The Canadian Red Cross has said its officials are communicating with the Ukrainian
Red Cross Society and have contributed to their preparedness efforts. Red Cross Community Engagement and Corporate Partnerships manager Gloria Warrenslade said international Red Cross partners are providing food, water, medical supplies, shelter, psychological support and mobile health teams.
“We are in close communication with our colleagues in Ukraine and are supporting preparedness and response efforts,” said Warrenslade.
Nova Scotians who wish to donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal can do so through the Canadian Red Cross website at redcross. ca/.
The Province of Nova Scotia has announced it is sending $100,000 to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to help provide humanitarian aid and support to the people of Ukraine with medical aid, emergency shelter and food.
In a Feb. 25 news release, Premier Tim Houston said the provincial government will be doing whatever it can to assist the people of Ukraine amidst the Russian attacks, including expediting immigration applications for Ukrainians.
Additionally, with more than 9,000 people in Nova Scotia with Ukrainian heritage, Province House in Halifax started flying a Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity and support.
“Nova Scotians were shocked and horrified by Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which endangers the lives of people and flies in the face of international law,” said Houston Feb. 25. “When I spoke yesterday to Andre Mereshuk, president of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, he said a financial contribution is a way we could help. I am pleased to make this contribution to support the people of Ukraine and for Nova Scotia’s Ukrainian community in their time of need.”