Fundraiser in support of Ukraine draws hundreds in Saint John
A fundraising fair hosted by the newly formed "Ukrainian Association of Saint John" drew hundreds of people to the Jervis Bay Legion in Saint John, N.B., Saturday afternoon.
“I can’t believe what I see around me,” says Svitlana Goncharova of the group. “Because we were expecting 200 people, and I think we had 400 during the first hour.”
Traditional Ukrainian music, food, crafts, and more were on display, with all donations and proceeds from the event to be used to help the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We’re going to help people who are actually doing things locally,” says Bogdon Gonchorova. “I know my own friends and my own family who are helping local guys build shelters, providing food, providing sleeping bags, all of that kind of stuff.”
Those of all ages came together for the event Saturday to do what they can to help those back home – that includes eight-year-old Dimitri Boinitski, who drew, and sold copies of a comic he made out of concern for his grandparents in Ukraine.
“I made a comic,” he tells CTV News. “And I really don’t want my grandparents to die, so I wanted to sell it.”
It was also stressed that not only is help needed in the form of donations and supplies to send over to Ukraine, but also that there is a need for housing and other supports for those who are going to be coming to Canada.
“For me personally, it’s my way to do something for my country and for my people,” says Svitlana. “Because it’s a very joyful atmosphere here, but what’s going on right now in Ukraine, it’s heartbreaking.”
Bogdon says Russia underestimated Ukraine but also the level of support that they would be receiving from all over the world, including in the Maritimes.
“So, I’m very thankful for everything you do, and everything to help us,” he says.
For more information about the Ukrainian Association of Saint John and how to donate, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside U.S., with expansion team set to begin play in 2026
Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.
Healthy diets with only 10% ultraprocessed foods may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
With 10K providers offering care to 2M seniors, health minister defends dental plan
Canada's dental care plan is 'getting there' Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday defending the program's rollout that's now seen two million seniors sign up, but just 10,000 oral health providers enrolled to treat them.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.