Rally in support Ukraine held Saturday in Nelson
By The Nelson Daily Staff
A local group supporting the people of Ukraine staged a Peace rally outside Nelson City Hall Saturday to raise awareness regarding Russia’s attacks on the European country.
Organizer Olga Hallborg, who lives in Castlegar, said “we need to actively help Ukraine” and begs for the Canadian government to push for a “no-fly” zone over the country to stop Vladimir Putin’s army from bombing and killing innocent people.
“Ukraine does not ask to attack Russia, just to protect Ukraine,” Hallborg explained.
“Watching others suffer without doing anything to help, inflicts psychological trauma on individuals and societal.”
“Desensitizing to witnessing suffer demoralizes society and teaches various generations indifference and lack of compassion,” she adds.
The rally was just one of many events staged throughout Canada and around the world, including Russia, as people marched to protest Putin's war on Ukraine.
Saturday, people carried signs — some saying "Stop Putin" and "Stand with Ukraine" and Ukraine flags as well as dressed in the colours of the country.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is well into its second week with Putin’s army continuing to shell the bordering country and sending approximately 1.7 million people fleeing the country.
The UN refugee agency called this movement of people the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since the second World War.
Hallborg, who said the rally received huge support from passing vehicle constantly honking horns, asks the public to reach out to their respective MP’s to advocate for Ukraine in proposing a no-fly zone.
“The world needs to tell big bully that bullying is not ok, instead perpetuating bullying further,” Hallborg said.
Hallborg has organized similar rallies in Castlegar, and plans another freedom event Saturday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m. in Nelson.
People at the Peace rally lined the sidewalk on Ward Street as passing vehicles also voiced their support by honking horns.
