Langford is stepping up to help the people of Ukraine, ravaged by war and atrocities.
A grassroots committee of residents, supported by the city and Langford Fire Department, has launched an initiative that is raising money for the immediate needs of people in Ukraine and the thousands of refugees expected to flow into Canada in the coming months.
“We want to be there for them,” said Shannon Russell Willing, chair of the Langford Supports Ukraine Committee. “We may be one of the fastest-growing cities in the province, but we’re really still a small town at heart, and people here really want to help.”
The committee, which includes Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey and Shirley Ackland, was formed 10 days ago, but has already raised more than $20,000 from private donations, local businesses and the development community.
Residents are being asked if they have housing or a room in their homes to welcome Ukrainian refugees, and the city has started a job bank that will provide employment, said Russell Willing.
The committee also wants to work with school districts to set up education and other services such as English classes and potentially tap into a billeting system already in place for foreign students.
Anyone who wants to lend their skills, time or resources is welcome to help support the committee, said Russell Willing.
A former executive adviser to the premier and a mother of four grown children with two grandchildren and another soon to arrive, Russell Willing said she’s been shocked by the violence as the Russians bombard and kill innocent civilians.
“They’re bombing hospitals … you see pregnant women bleeding and carried out in makeshift stretchers and you see war crimes, and you think we’ve just got to help, do our part,” said Russell Willing.
Langford Mayor Stew Young said “everyone in Langford” is on board. “I know because everyone’s talking about it … they’re asking me how they can help … and we’re not going to sit back,” Young said.
Young said Russian leader Vladimir Putin isn’t going to stop the killing in Ukraine. “And even if the violence ends, the refugees of Ukraine can’t just go back in. Putin has destroyed the country. This isn’t going away anytime soon, so we’re here to help.”
The Langford Legion is offering its facility to host a fundraising dance on April 30. Tickets are $20 and the event will feature a silent auction by local businesses, who are also buying tables as sponsors.
The next night, the Legion is cooking a giant pierogy dinner where residents can call in orders and pick up as a home meal.
Residents can donate on the city’s website at langford.ca/Ukraine or drop cheques off at city hall. “You know, it can be $5 or $10 or whatever,” said Young. “I know people of Langford always pull together.”
