Hundreds joined together on March 6 to show their support for Ukraine and raise money for those impacted by the war
Hundreds of Guelphites filled Market Square on Sunday afternoon to protest the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and show solidarity to those affected by the violence.
The “Stand with Ukraine Peace Rally”–which was organized by the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Guelph–featured speeches, singing, and prayers led by local community members and leaders.
Father Andrij Figol, pastor of the church, kicked off the event, speaking passionately about the dangers posed to Ukrainians by the war.
“The world has seen and remembers what fascist terrorism causes and has pledged that never again shall we let this happen,” said Figol.
“We are, in the 21st century, in a time when we thought war was far behind us, yet we’re all pulled into this chaos and suffering. It threatens the lives of our friends and families in Ukraine.”
After wrapping up his speech, Figol led the crowd in a prayer for the people of Ukraine.
Throughout the proceedings, symbols of solidarity with the Ukrainian community filled Market Square and spilled into the street.
Protesters donned bright blue and yellow garb to match the Ukrainian flags that waved above the audience. A handful of attendees could also be seen in traditional Ukrainian attire, and several children in the crowd wore sunflowers–the national flower of Ukraine–pinned in their hair.
Chants of “stop the war” and “slava Ukraini, heroyam slava” (“glory to Ukraine, glory to our heroes”) echoed throughout the square.
Criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin was also visible throughout the crowd, with some protesters holding up signs labeling Putin as a fascist tyrant and likening him to Adolf Hitler.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie also spoke at the event, expressing his support for the rally and commending the city for coming together to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community.
“Thank you so much for the outpouring of support today. The Ukrainian community is overwhelmed and joyed to see how much we have to give back,” he said.
Guthrie recounted stories from locals about how the Guelph community has been impacted by the war.
“I met someone [in Guelph] who’s family is actually stuck in Kyiv right now. We have a soccer player from the University of Guelph who has traded his soccer uniform for a camo outfit and he is fighting in the war right now. I also met a Russian Canadian today whose nephew was just arrested in Russia for protesting against Putin,” he said, prompting applause from the crowd.
“So if you think that it’s just overseas, that we can’t make a difference, that it doesn’t really impact our city, there are three stories [about how it is impacting the community] that just the mayor of Guelph knows. And all of you out there know so much more about the impact of what’s happening.”
Guthrie also informed the crowd that the City of Guelph hopes to begin taking in Ukrainian refugees within the next few weeks.
“We are a community that always welcomes people, and this city is ready to take refugees yesterday,” he said.
The rally eventually came to a close with a powerful rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem, which echoed through the street as the crowd sang together.
People then lined up to donate to the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church’s monetary fundraiser.
The church told The Ontarion that about $16,500 was raised during the event. All of the donations will be sent overseas to help support Ukrainians in their fight against invading Russian forces.
Even after the rally began to disband, support for Ukraine could be seen throughout the city. Ukrainian flags hung in windows and waved on the roofs of cars, and a group of young people standing at the side of the road in front of Chancellor’s Way held signs up to oncoming traffic that read “honk if Putin sucks.”
Concern for Ukraine has united communities across Canada over the past few weeks. The Guelph protest was one of many that occurred this weekend across the country, as Canadians came together to express their support for Ukraine in an incredible show of compassion and solidarity.
For Guelphites who would like to show further support, a second rally is being planned for March 12. Protesters will meet at Market Square at 1 p.m. before marching through downtown Guelph.
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