Signs of support, solidarity for Ukraine flood Moncton City Hall grounds

Rally for Ukraine The Ukrainian club of Moncton organized a last-minute protest and rally in front of city hall Sunday.

The grounds outside of Moncton City Hall swept with yellow and blue as several people showed their support for Ukraine Sunday afternoon.

The peaceful rally comes after Russia targeted the southeastern city of Dnipro, leaving several Ukrainians wounded and killed.

“We didn’t know what else we would do, except gathering at the rally today at city hall to tell everyone that Ukraine still needs our help to end this war and to end this murder of civilians, which happens almost every day,” said Nataliia Haidash, Ukrainian Club of Moncton.

In the release, officials with the Ukrainian club of Moncton said their goal with the protest was to show solidarity to those who remain in Ukraine.

“We want to keep attention of the public because this problem is not gone,” added Olha Nepotenko, with the Ukrainian Club of Moncton.

"Unfortunately this is ongoing and Ukraine needs support. Civilians need support and military needs support to stop that and we really hope that some prayers will help to save some people under rubble."

Despite wintery conditions, around 75 people showed up to Sunday’s rally, both from the Ukrainian club and people from the community.

“It always amazes us how this community stands with Ukraine,” said Haidash.

On top of support and raising awareness, officials say there are other ways that Moncton can help as well.

"We are always accepting monetary donations at the Ukrainian Club of Moncton and the money that we raise this week, we use to purchase vital supplies for the Ukrainian army," said Haidash. "This is something we started doing from the first days of war and will continue doing as long as it’s needed in Ukraine."

Nepotenko adds that donations also go towards medication, food and generators.

"Almost half of Ukrainian’s Electric Power stations and total system are destroyed. People are without electricity for many hours per day and it is getting only worse. So in whatever way we can help, we try to help."