Parksville’s St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church will hold an outdoor candlelight vigil in support of Ukraine and its people on Feb. 24.
The vigil will mark one year since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It is set for 7 p.m. at the church (594 Karls Way), according to Colleen Sokyrka, president of the parish.
Last March, the church organized a vigil and were amazed when 300 people came out and raised nearly $2,000.
READ MORE: Ukrainian newcomers find support from Parksville Qualicum Beach community
The church has been helping collect community donations for both Ukraine and for Ukrainians recently arrived on the Island. It has supported organizations such as the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which supports seniors and mothers with children, and Mama Moya, which helps mothers whose husbands have gone to war or are otherwise alone.
Sokyrka said initially they received many donations of clothes and other goods, when not many Ukrainians had yet arrived. Now there are more families in the area and donations are still needed. People can help by contacting Help Ukraine VI on Facebook.
— NEWS Staff
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