“Perceptions,” by Gerry Warner

Op-Ed Commentary

As the war in Ukraine passed its 100th bloody day Friday, volunteers in Cranbrook continued to welcome refugees from the war-torn nation and sponsor major events in support of the beleaguered European country.

Since the war began Feb. 24, Cranbrook residents have held a vigil every Sunday evening in Rotary Park to protest the Russian invasion and welcome close to a dozen Ukrainian refugees who have fled their homeland to find refuge in the Key City. And more refugees are on the way, says Bonnie Spence-Vinge, president of the recently formed Shelter for Ukrainians Society, (SFUS).

When told of all the support Ukrainian refugees are receiving in Cranbrook, one of the refugees was moved to say: “you Canadians are so nice. I don’t have the words in English to say how nice you are.” Spence-Vinge says she was “very moved” by the comment as it demonstrates the heart being shown by Key City residents towards the traumatized refugees. At least seven Ukrainian families have arrived here already and are staying with relatives and more are waiting in the queue, she says.

Vigils for the public to protest the war are being held in Rotary Park every Sunday evening at 7 p.m. with music, prayer and perogies being sold to raise money for the cause. Several of the refugees themselves usually attend the vigils and mix with the public to show their appreciation under the distinctive yellow and blue Ukrainian flag which always flies over the event.

But the biggest show of support will take place Wednesday, June 8 at the Royal Alexander Hall in the Cranbrook History Centre for the Frank Sandor/Johnny Romich Memorial Dinner in honour of prominent local citizens Frank Sandor and Johnny Romich.

Both were immigrants to Cranbrook themselves and are now deceased. But descendants of the Romich and Sandor families combined with former Cranbrook MLA and businessman Terry Segarty to sponsor the major event which is expected to raise more than $40,000 to help with the costly expenses of relocating the refugees in Cranbrook.

Some 21 tables have already been sold for the event at $2,000 each and individual tickets are also available at $150 each.

For more details contact the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR), which is helping with the event or SFUS Bord member Gerry Kent.

If you’d like to volunteer to help with the setup or takedown of the event call Kent at 426-3051.

“We’re off to a good start both with the number of volunteers – over 70 – and the amount of money raised,” says Kent, who will MC the event featuring speakers from the local Ukrainian community as well as donors and other prominent representatives of the community.

Another event planned for the refugees takes place Sunday June 12 at Rotary Park. Voices for Ukraine will be “a day for music and food,” says SFUS society member Tamara Cartwright. “Local musical talents have donated their time to have all day filled with song. Shelter for Ukrainians Society will be there with hot fresh perogies, in several varieties. Other Vendors will also be at the park selling their local goods. All proceeds stay local to support the Ukrainian families we have arriving to our beautiful area.”

And who can deny when it comes to helping those who need help the most, the people of Cranbrook have got to be one of the most generous communities anywhere?

Photos by Gerry Warner

– Gerry Warner is a retired journalist, who believes Ukraine should be free of the Russian yoke.

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