War on Ukraine unites area residents
By Ari Lord
Olga Hallborg was happy with the turnout at the rally, held at Castlegar’s City Hall on Sunday, February 27 and again in Nelson Saturday.
Hallborg, who lives in Castlegar and works in Infection Prevention and Control at Trail Hospital said she was pleasantly surprised that there were 50 people given our small community and the short notice.
“It was unbelievable, actually,” says Hallborg.
The war and the news that her hometown of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, is experiencing Russian airstrikes is throwing off Hallborg’s life.
“It affects my sleep and regular activities," she explains.
"I’m very much present there. I feel like I’m in Ukraine because I talked to people there and friends who immigrated here from Ukraine. We’re connecting and trying to support each other. Everyone is worried, and everyone is supportive.”
When she first found out about the invasion, Hallborg, like many Canadians, experienced disbelief.
“I definitely was shocked. I didn’t believe it was going to happen,” says Hallborg.
Hallborg’s 15-year-old daughter Elizabeth was born in Ukraine. Elizabeth took the initiative to prepare posters for the rally. She told some friends about the event, and some showed up to support Elizabeth. Hallborg is supporting her daughter through this tough time.
“(Elizabeth) is really worried, and she has a strong identity of being Ukrainian. There was no doubt that we need to be part of (the rally), and we need to help how we can,” says Hallborg.
Elizabeth wore traditional Ukrainian clothes to school to raise awareness amongst her peers.
“It went pretty well. A few people asked me about it. People said they’re sending their thoughts and prayers to Ukraine in this hard time. It’s this odd sense of loss for this country that I haven’t even gotten to know that well. It’s scary. I’m hopeful that everything turns out okay,” says Elizabeth.
The rally was a time to build hope, connect, and let some of the more complicated emotions out.
“There were some emotions during that meeting which is understandable because it hurts when you know that your hometown’s being bombed. Overall, it was a very supportive atmosphere,” says Hallborg.
She was pleased by some people from the local Dukhobor community who showed up to support the Ukrainian plight. Hallborg was touched to learn that many area churches held services dedicated to prayers for Ukraine.
“That gives a lot of hope,” says Hallborg.
Hallborg feels limited in how she can help her family and friends in Ukraine.
“There’s not much you can do while you’re from a distance. You cannot hug them; you cannot reassure them; you cannot find information for them on where to hide, where is safe.”
On the other hand, Hallborg sees many different ways to help.
“There are many ways to support the nation through humanitarian organizations, like the Canadian Red Cross and UNICEF.
Some organizations claim to help Ukraine; some of them could be fake. Be very cautious. (Donate to) reputable international organizations.”
Hallborg is trying to be hopeful, but it’s a challenge.
“Hope is one thing, and then being realistic is another. Russia is a richer, more powerful country. It’s difficult to say what will be in the future, especially with limited opportunity by other powerful countries to help. It’s not a fairy tale; it’s hard to say if there will be a happy end to this story. It’s important to hope that Ukraine will remain free and safe. I’m still very worried and very scared.”
She asks residents to support the Ukraine cause financially if they are able. She would like to see more support rallies in our rural towns.
“It would be great to organize something like this in Nelson, Trail and other places, to encourage other communities also to stand,” says Hallborg.
Hallborg recommends this Globe & Mail article to Kootenay residents wanting to help support Ukraine.
Olga Hallborg's daughter Elizabeth (15) wears the traditional Ukrainian clothing that she wore to school while holding a picture of their home city of Mykolaiv.
