Multicultural group hosts fundraiser to support Ukrainians abroad amid Russian invasion
James Chaarani | CBC News | Posted: March 28, 2022 10:43 AM | Last Updated: March 28, 2022
Over 100 people turned out to the Polish Combatants Association Hall in London, Ont.
The London Multicultural Community Association (LMCA) hosted a fundraiser in London, Ont. to show support and solidarity for the Ukrainian people and raise money for the Canadian Red Cross to help those suffering abroad.
Over 100 people gathered at the Polish Combatants Association Hall on Sunday. Tears were shed as people embraced and socialized over drinks and raspberry and plum pączkis.
Jack Malkin, the LMCA president, said they have hosted fundraisers in the past, to assist in international crises, such as the earthquakes in Nepal and Haiti and the Philippines typhoon disaster.
"We wanted to do something this time to support the Ukrainian people and help with their suffering," Malkin said.
"This is the least we can do as a community to make everybody together, to show our support," he added. "To hug and to love, and collect donations to the Red Cross to help the Ukrainian people in their suffering."
Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February, destroying cities and some of the country's infrastructure, while killing and displacing millions of its citizens.
According to the most recent census, 10,000 of the 1.3 million Ukrainians living in Canada call London home.
Rob Talach, who was in attendance, has a personal connection to the ongoing conflict.
"My mom is Ukrainian and my dad is Polish, and my wife is Polish," he said. "So, I thought it was important to come out and show support for both my roots and the roots of the neighboring nation, Poland."
He said that he feels frustrated being with only being able to help by donating funds, showing support and trying to push for political action.
"I think frustration and concern are the biggest emotions I've felt in the last month," he said.
About a quarter of the way through the fundraiser, there was some singing, and children dancing as part of the London Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. It got the crowd clapping along.
The Polish Combatants Association, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the London Ukrainian Centre helped organize the fundraiser.
"It's always good to know we have the support, that we're not left in this by ourselves," said Oksana Opalevych who was also in attendance. She was unable to hold back her tears.
"It's good to know that we have friends."