Âé¶čAV residents are invited to stand in solidarity and celebrate the tenacity of Ukrainians who have been displaced by Russiaâs invasion.
On Friday, Feb. 24, Âé¶čAV Stands with Ukraine (KSWU) is hosting a candlelight vigil at the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church at 1935 Barlee Road to mark one year of Russiaâs invasion.
The vigil will be held outdoors, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Candles will be available by donation at the event in addition to flags and stickers.
âItâs just a moment of remembrance,â said Dennis Stor, founder of Âé¶čAV Stands with Ukraine.
Displaced Ukrainians who fled their war-torn country for the Okanagan will be at the event.
READ MORE: âDesperateâ need for immediate refugee housing: Âé¶čAV Stands With Ukraine calls for help
Stor said that photos of the vigil will be sent to those fighting on the front lines of the war in Ukraine to show them that people around the world are standing behind them and to boost morale.
READ MORE: Vigils for anniversary of Ukraine invasion planned in B.C. communities
On Saturday Feb. 25, the at the Dormition Mother of God Catholic Church at 1091 Coronation Avenue.
At the expo there will be a photo booth with traditional Ukrainian garb, displays, specialty item sales, food and an auction to raise money for relief efforts.
The event also has the support of Âé¶čAVâs three Liberal MLAâs.
âThe Bravery Foundation based in Âé¶čAV is a testament to the selflessness, kindness, and generosity that the communities in the Okanagan region have shown to the victims of this brutal invasionâŠwe encourage all those able to support their cause,â reads a letter from Renee Merrifield, Norm Letnick, and Ben Stewart.
âWe thank all of the staff, volunteers, and supporters for their exceptional work in making Âé¶čAV and the Okanagan a better place for all. We wish everyone a successful event and we wholeheartedly support all those facing fear and violence back in Ukraine.â
Admission to the expo is by donation.
All funds raised at the two events will be used to support displaced people and those on the front lines in Ukraine.
READ MORE: âI couldnât get over itâ: Castlegar mother heads to the front lines of Ukraine
READ MORE:Ukrainian newcomers assess options in Canada year after war at home
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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