Sherry Mitchell has been taking part in the Peace for Ukraine rallies in Penticton since the first Saturday they started.
But the Penticton resident, who has family in Ukraine, wanted to find a way to make a financial difference for the people living and fighting for their country.
She started making sunflower ribbons and selling them at the rallies with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower and has become a symbol across the world since Putin waged war against the neighbouring nation 20 days ago.
Another Penticton woman who attended the rally, Joan Phillip, donated bead earrings she had made in the Ukrainian colours and a peace dove.
Between the sunflower ribbons and the bead earrings, Mitchell was able to send $413 to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation so far. She’s hoping to send even more.
Mitchell will be selling the ribbons at this Saturday’s rally on Main from noon to 2 p.m. She also is auctioning off two pairs of earrings on Penticton Facebook pages.
“Ukraine is very dear to me. I am of Ukraine/Polish heritage – best of both worlds, second-generation born in Canada. My Baba was born in Kyiv. She left when she was just 13, with my Geddo, due to the war,” said Mitchell.
“I also have extended family in Ukraine. My cousin has sent me pictures of the carnage just a block away from where an aunt lives in Kyiv. It’s heartbreaking and there are no words to describe this horrible situation other than genocide. The Ukraine people are strong and resilient.”
She said her fundraising efforts won’t bring in tons of money but every dollar helps.
“The way I see it is if this money can buy one or two soldiers protective gear and saves their lives, it was worth it. If it can help with food and medicine to a few people, it was worth it.”
Also, Victoria from Blissful Belly Bakery in Penticton has agreed to sell her ribbons for donation.
“No matter what Putin does, he will never take away the heart and soul of the Ukrainian people.”
She will be out on Saturday, March 19 at Warren and Main Street from noon to 2 p.m. with the pins and signs supporting Ukraine.
On Friday, the Barking Parrot held a barbecue fundraiser for Ukraine, raising over $26,000 in two hours to help with relief efforts in Ukraine.
Canada has the third-highest Ukraine population behind Ukraine and Russia.
Another person who has been at each Saturday peace rally in Penticton is Cyndy Bishop whose family lives in Ivano-Frankivsk.
She offered to sponsor to have her cousin’s family come to Penticton but they refused, opting to stay and fight.
Lakeside Resort sales manager Svitlana Shkyn has her family in Ukraine and spoke about how hard it is to be here when war is at their doorstep, living without electricity and food.
Shkyn just visited her parents and brother in Ukraine in January, after making the move of her life five years ago when Canada officially became her permanent home.
While her brother remains on the ground fighting in the country’s defence force, contact with her parents has been limited over the last two weeks as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
