Victoria’s Ukrainian community is hoping hundreds of demonstrators will line Douglas Street Sunday afternoon to denounce the Russian attack on their country and show support for their homeland.
“We’re hoping for an even better turnout than the rally last week,” Victoria Grando, manager of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, said Friday. “It was amazing. We’re just speechless. We can’t even express how much we appreciate support.”
The demonstration will begin at 12:30 p.m. Organizers are asking people to stand with Ukrainian flags and signs from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre at 3277 Douglas St. through downtown to Dallas Road.
“It’s so important so the Ukrainian people know that someone is behind them,” said Grando. “They are able to see news. And they see the show of support from around the world. When they have an opportunity to have their phones on, they see how the world is supporting us and what’s the latest from the front lines.”
The phone at the cultural centre has rung thousands of times in the last week, said an exhausted Grando, who is no longer answering it. Like many concerned about Ukraine, she can’t sleep because late night in Victoria is morning in Ukraine.
“We’re phoning all the family friends — ‘Are you OK? Are you OK? Are you OK?’ Thank God they still have an Internet connection and mobile providers have offered free calls to Ukraine until the end of March,” she said.
Margaret Bachmann, a former nurse, arrived at the centre with yellow tulips and a card, asking for information about donations and refugees.
“I feel that I need to help in whatever way I can,” said Bachmann. “It’s really important to me to show that we care. It’s the little things that matter most, whether that’s opening up our wallets or giving of our time.”
Bachmann said she was grateful to live in Canada, and she praised the bravery and courage of the Ukrainian people and their leader. “I can’t even fathom what they are going through. I’m so sad. But I think flowers bring a sense of hope and faith.”
Victoria philanthropist and furniture retailer Gordie Dodd also dropped by the centre Friday, offering to help future refugees with furniture, mattresses — even employment, said Grando.
Donations can be made through the Red Cross and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, she said. The cultural centre does not yet have its charitable tax status.
The Ukrainian Cultural Centre is putting together a list of people who have offered their homes and to sponsor refugees. The list includes lawyers who have offered to help process documents, she said.
The government has been slow and bureaucratic in its response to the refugee crisis, said Grando.
This week, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the Canadian government will create a new visa category allowing Ukrainians to come to Canada to live, work or study for up to two years.
There is no limit on how many people can come under the program. The government is also introducing an expedited path to permanent residency for Ukrainians with family members in Canada, allowing a “wider circle of family members” to sponsor those who want to stay here.
Churches are ready to sponsor Ukrainian refugees who have fled, Grando said.
“The Greek Catholic church, the Orthodox church — we are ready. We are just waiting for the federal government to announce there is refugee status for Ukrainians.”
