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
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Israel closes Gaza crossing after Hamas attack and vows military operation 'in the very near future'
Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of "a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza."
Denial and uncertainty are looming over a Biden-Trump rematch 6 months out from U.S. Election Day
Exactly six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked in the first contest in 112 years with a current and former president competing for the White House. It's a race that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 campaign.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.