'My wife and daughter are in safety': Dozens of Ukrainian refugees welcomed in Saskatoon
Dozens of Ukrainian refugees received a warm welcome from the Saskatoon Ukrainian community during rally at River Landing on Sunday.
Organizers said many have left behind their husbands, fathers and sons who are fighting on the frontlines of the war in their country.
Victor Filipov was able to make it out of the country with his wife Ulia and his two-year-old daughter.
“I feel that my wife and daughter are in safety,” Filipov said. “We’re very happy to be in Canada because we are making our new life.”
The three fled Mariupol for the nearby country of Georgia before arriving in Canada on April 28.
“When we leave Maripol, a lot of houses demolished, no school, hospitals, no energy, water, heating. All this destruction by Russian soldiers,” he said.
The Stand With Ukraine Rally drew in roughly 200 people, who showed their solidarity with the country facing Russian aggression.
One of those in attendance was Max Palichuk, who left Ukraine in 2008 but still has many family and friends back home.
“It’s pretty tough to wake up every morning and see if they’re online, if they answer your texts, whatsoever so it’s very important to me that we bring as much attention to Ukraine as possible,” he said.
The demonstration was one of many put on across the country by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
“We’re looking for the government to send heavy armaments to Ukraine and for NATO to stand up to Russia,” said Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatoon branch Vice President Pat Tymchatyn.
While many people at the rally have family and friends back in Ukraine, Tymchatyn sees the rally as a chance to bring people together and celebrate Ukrainian Culture.
“The more we’re together, the more we feel community support,” she said.
Several people who attended the rally wore a traditional Ukrainian shirt called a Vyshyvanka. Ukrainians will be celebrating Vyshyvanka Day on Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.