Numerous Hamilton efforts this weekend to raise money and donations for Ukraine

Hamilton residents and businesses are stepping up to help the people of Ukraine this week, from comic book stores to bath bomb makers, to collections at local Ukrainian schools and churches.

A local bath products company, for example, is donating its March profits to support Ukraine. Nerdcore, a local comic book store, is collecting donations to send to a Hamilton Ukrainian church.

And this weekend, both Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church and St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral William Sarchuk school are taking donations for Ukraine.

"Small ripples can create big waves," said Holly Silenzi, owner of Beyond the Bomb. 

"I have a pretty engaged following on social media. I just figured if you have the means, you know, to help then do so."

Silenzi is making yellow and blue bath bombs inspired by the colours of the Ukrainian flag. On Wednesday, she said, she posted on her Facebook page advertising the bombs for $6 each and received overwhelming response.

"We have raised really just in over 24 hours ... just over $800," she said. 

Silenzi said she will donate the money to the Canadian Red Cross and will also post the confirmation on her social media handles.

Keith Arana, meanwhile, runs a comic book store at 1353 Main St. E. He has decided to run a donation drive on Monday and Wednesday to help the Holy Spirit effort.

Arana said he'll collect non-perishable goods from his customers who were not able to drop them off at the church.

"My wife was scrolling through Facebook and saw the Holy Spirit Church in Hamilton, the Ukrainian church, was sending donations over," he said.

"We were donating some stuff ourselves and we will leave it open to our customers. If they can't go and do it themselves, then they can feel free to bring their stuff here and we can take it for them."

Arana said he feels a strong human connection when he watches the news to see what is going on in Ukraine.

"You don't want to see anybody going through a war or invasion. Just like on a human level … you just want to help out the way you can."

The Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church will collect dry goods this weekend to send to Ukraine. Items such as sleeping bags, blankets, coats, hats, diapers, children's clothing, baby formula, canned food and non-perishable food can be dropped off at the church office.

St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral William Sarchuk School is also accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The Hamilton branch of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress is also holding a rally to support Ukraine on Sunday at 2 p.m. outside Burlington City Hall.