Kelowna residents will gather Saturday to pay homage to the men and women in Ukraine who have been killed in the Russian invasion.
Denys Storozhuk from Kelowna Stands With Ukraine said he organized the vigil knowing that it’s been just over a month since the war got underway and the number of civilians killed or injured in the constant bombardment and artillery shelling is incalculable.
“It’s the right thing to do, just to honour all those people and all people who are fighting (or) cannot surrender in all the surrounding cities like Mariupol, for example,” Storozhuk said.
![Click to play video: 'Ukrainian family fleeing war in their homeland arrive in Kelowna'](https://i1.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/3bo67u92fq-lqp7vo78da/ukrainian_refugees_THUMB.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
“So many people (lost) their lives in just one month and they estimate (there are many) more civilians than military personnel.”
The event will also honour those who continue fighting for their country, those trapped and unable to escape. Anybody is welcome to participate in the event.
![Click to play video: 'City of Kelowna is taking the unusual step of donating thousands of dollars to help war-torn Ukraine'](https://i0.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/v87y7ehisd-bc5xnzt8jd/sister_city_folo_THUMB.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
The UN human rights office, which has about 50 staff in Ukraine, has counted 1,081 civilian deaths in the war. But verification difficulties meant that toll included “very few” from Mariupol, the UN’s Matilda Bogner told journalists by video link from Ukraine.
![Click to play video: 'Hometown Hero: Kelowna diner making perogies for Ukraine'](https://i2.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/8omenfeds6-98bhx572su/TMS_CRYSTAL3_STILL.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
On Thursday, Mariupol officials claimed about 15,000 civilians had been illegally deported to Russia since the war began on Feb. 24.
![For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.](https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/themes/shaw-globalnews/images/skyline/national.jpg)
Get breaking National news
The candlelight vigil starts at 7:30 p.m. outside of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at 1935 Barlee Road, off of Springfield. All are encouraged to bring a candle.
— With files from Aaron D’Andrea
- Kamala Harris’ Canada connection: Why her US presidential run makes ‘perfect sense’ for some
- Nova Scotia premier says he skipped Halifax Pride parade because of safety concerns
- Kamala Harris raises US$81M in 24 hours, smashing donation record
- Trudeau hand-picking candidate in Montreal byelection riles aspiring contenders
Comments