I remember my Mom reliving those days of the Second World War’s Battle of Britain. They seemed like the worst of times. Hard to believe the world is faced with a similar foe in this day and age.
The Putin invasion of Ukraine began two years ago on February 24, 2022 and seems to have no end in sight. Why a world leader would want to destroy their neighbour to gain their territory is hard to comprehend, but it is happening. Canada has stepped up to condemn Russia and provide assistance to any Ukrainian refugees of war. Smithers has also put itself forward to help those in need.
Luba Kasun and Yulia Kaidun were instrumental in putting together support programs and forming the group “Smithers Helps Ukraine.” Several people provided accommodation and one couple from Telkwa offered to pay for plane flights from Poland to Smithers B.C. once an escaping family decided to leave the wartorn area.
Other people collected clothing and household items to help the Ukrainians settle into their new life. New To You gave each family or individual an opportunity to take items from their store to help in the resettlement. Smithers Community Services also came forward helping to locate places to live in this very tight housing market that we are currently experiencing. They also provided classes to help those newcomers learn English.
Unfortunately with another disastrous conflict in the Gaza Strip igniting last year between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the media has put the Russian-Ukraine conflict onto the back burner. And with the present American presidential candidate stating that he will encourage Russia to invade further countries along the European border, the state of the world is rocky to say the least and somewhat desperate in reality.
So what can we do living over here in the land of Oz (the proverbial Smithers bubble) on the other side of the pond? Well, we can continue to live our lives, deal with our local issues and choose what we can support. “Smithers Helps Ukraine” is still very active and needs your support.
They want to keep the conflict in Ukraine on the front burner, they cannot let the destruction of Ukraine fade from view. This is a world problem and we are dealing with a madman, a war criminal that has no conscience and has no concern about perpetuating the death of his neighbours in Ukraine and the death of his countrymen in Russia.
Smithers Helps Ukraine began in 2022 with a fundraising meal at the Ukrainian restaurant on Main Street in Smithers and raised $10,000 which was sent to Ukraine to help with the war effort.
They are also teamed with a group in Chernihiv Ukraine, called Bo Mozhemo, “Because We Can.” This organization, formed by Andriy Galyuga, was put together to help rebuild homes that were damaged by the bombing. They now have around 300 volunteers and are very grateful for any donations to help with this cause.
Smithers Helps Ukraine is also helping support an orphanage in Chernihiv to feed and house children who have lost their parents. They have been holding events to raise donated monies to help seniors who have been displaced in Ukraine.
They are sending other funds to help animal shelters that have been overwhelmed with pets that owners cannot support. Smithers Helps Ukraine can direct any donations to any specific cause desired. They can even direct support toward purchasing ammunition.
It is terrible that we would need to do that but these are desperate times in Ukraine.
The community of Smithers has been very generous and the group has been very grateful for the kindness.
Sirens in Harkiv are wailing 10 times a day warning of bombing attacks. Schools have had to move into the subways to escape the chaos on the streets of the cities.
Smithers Helps Ukraine has an Easter Egg Hunt event planned in Smithers for March 30. Look for this and other fundraisers on their Facebook page.
Please continue to support Ukraine if you can and hope for the war to end. You can contact or etransfer through the Bulkley Valley Credit Union or email smithershelpsukraine@gmail.com.
Thank you so much.