Hundreds of protesters came out to the steps of St. Cyril and Methodius Church in St. Catharines on Saturday to show their support for Ukraine and display outrage over the Russian attack on the country that has already carried high civilian and military costs.
Speaking on the stairs, encircled by representatives from area Ukrainian churches, Irene Newton, branch president of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, said it was emotional to look out over the sea of protesters and the multitude of Ukrainian flags flying in the chilly wind.
"I'm astounded at the hundreds of people who have come out to stand with Ukraine," Newton said, reiterating the group's core message: "We need to stop Putin, stop the war."
A short prayer service was held, in both Ukrainian and English, before local dignitaries invited to speak took the stand on the steps.
"We are very fortunate here in Canada," St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle said, adding that as the rally went on, a handful of anti-vaccine and anti-mask protesters were standing outside his office. "We know only peace, but that is not true of our friends and loved ones in Ukraine. They are there because they don't want to wear a mask on their face. But we are here to stand for freedom, to promote freedom for Ukraine."
Bittle pointed out that Vladimir Putin thought it would have been an easy task to walk over the border and take control of the country, but that he was mistaken, pointing to the fierce fighting displayed by the country's military.
"The people of Canada will be there with our allies," he said. "The Canadian military has been training the Ukraininan military for years for this potential fight. We have provided weapons, we have sanctioned the Oligarchs, we have sanctioned Putin. We will keep going, we will make them pay."
MPP Jennie Stevens also spoke.
"Today we stand with all Ukrainian Canadians, shoulder to shoulder," she said. :We keep them in our prayers, and in our thoughts. We all condemn this brutal attack."
"Call him what he is," St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik said in his speech, pointing to Putin. "He's a monster. And if the world does not recognize that, people like him are going to continue to do what they are going to do. We need to stop him now."
Other invited speakers included Niagara Region chair Jim Bradley, who, draped in Ukraine's flag, reiterated the message of unity against the war.
"All of us today, does not matter the political side, ethnic background, religion. All of us stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine. We shall overcome."
Donations were accepted to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which will go toward medical aid, shelter, clothes, equipment and pharmaceuticals.
"Anything that the people need," Newton said, as the crowd cheered. "Someone asked me how they will get it there since they can't fly in. There are already trucks heading from Poland bringing all the supplies in. People are with us. Romania, Slovakia, Moldova, Poland."
