Seven ways to help people in Ukraine

Small steps can add up to create impact, Katerina Nakutnyy writes.

As you know, the Russian government, led by President Vladimir Putin, has attacked the sovereign nation of Ukraine with the desire to take over the country, destroy it and its people. Putin's legacy will not be one of greatness. It will be of terrorism, murder and genocide and he needs to be stopped.

Our Ukrainian community has gone into crisis mode, but we need help from more than just our community, and do not want the world to quickly forget and become complacent as this act of terrorism continues. This is a problem of the world. Ukraine is protecting all of us and it's doing it, mostly, on its own.

But how can you help from all the way over here in Canada?

1.

Be smart online. Practise digital citizenship and know how to identify fake news and choose reliable sources. The Russian government is spreading propaganda. These lies are helping fuel a war. This war has also become an information war.

Look to the Kyiv Independent, testimonies of our Ukrainian community and their family/friends in Ukraine, as well as our mainstream media. Finally, be wary of social media pages that look Ukrainian, but aren't linked to an actual organization.

They appear like there are people of differing opinions arguing about issues of the invasion, but are strategically planned in order to look legitimate and plant seeds of doubt.

2.

Use social media in a positive way. Post and repost the truth — sources you've checked or that come from reliable sources like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Put a yellow and blue flag on your social media pages to show solidarity and that you don't agree with war and terrorism.

Use hashtags like “#Stopputinnow,” “#Holdrussiaaccountable,” “#Closetheskies” and “#Nowarinukraine.” In addition, the Russian government is blocking its people from social media in an effort to control the narrative, so write on the websites of Russian companies under their reviews and share what's really going on so that more people in Russia know.

3. Give what you can. If you have the means to donate money to Ukraine, please do so. If you donated to the Rawlco Radio Fundraiser, we are so grateful and feel the love and support of Saskatchewan, but Ukraine will need much more in the future.

Go to www.ucc.sk.ca and click on the latest issue of the Ukraine Support Info. Source to see where you can donate.

4. Use your Voice. Sign Petitions or write to your MP to increase the help that Canada provides to Ukraine and to have Russian diplomats removed from Canada. Ukrainians believe that NATO should be closing the skies so more Ukrainian cities won't be bombed and more people killed.

If you agree, sign a petition. Also, boycott any products that are not joining sanctions and pulling their products out of Russia so that there will be less money in Russia to fuel their invasion.

5. Volunteer. Our Ukrainian Community is starting to prepare for displaced people from Ukraine. Spread the word to local businesses who may be able to provide help in the future.

There are already a number of businesses that have stepped up and offered funding support. When the time comes, donate items that can be used to set up a household. The new displaced people will have very little, if any, possessions with them and most will be women and children.

Currently, we are in the very beginning stages of this preparation and don't know how many people will be coming.

6. Show up. If another rally happens in support of Ukraine, show up! Bad things happen when good people do nothing. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked the world to rally and peacefully protest for peace in Ukraine and share it all over the world, putting pressure on Putin and other government leaders, standing for all things good like peace, love, freedom and unity.

7. Pray. It doesn't matter which religion you come from or whether you simply believe in putting light, love and positivity in the world, but please pray for Ukraine. Create a community within Saskatchewan of people who love and support each other and want to make this world a better place.