GUELPH – 2022 is feeling a lot like the Second World War for Cecilia Meiering.
Born in 1938 in Ukraine, she saw what happened when Germany invaded Ukraine in 1941, and then when the Soviets took over control of Ukraine in 1944.
She moved to Guelph in 1970 and watching the news has been triggering for her.
“I went through the whole thing – the reality of the concentration camps – everything,” she said. “Everybody there today, they are scared. I can’t believe this is happening again.”
Meiering said she made 40 Ukrainian flags and was handing them out at an event outside Guelph City Hall on March 6.
Tyler Reed and eight-year-old Abbigail came to the rally to show their support for Ukraine.
Several hundred people gathered for the rally that was organized by the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church as a way to show support and as a fundraiser.
“We stand in peaceful solidarity with Ukraine,” said Father Andrij Figol, pastor of the church.
“The world remembers what fascist terrorists look like and what they have done. Never again shall we let this happen.”
“As Canadians, we stand with all the people who are suffering and raise our voices in solidarity,” added Iryna Soluk-Figol.
“All who are suffering atrocities around the world. We will continue to protest and show our support.”
Rally for Ukraine – Father Andrij Figol, pastor of Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Guelph, speaks at a rally in support of Ukraine outside Guelph City Hall on March 6.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie noted that a University of Guelph soccer player from Ukraine has returned to that country to fight in the war.
He also said that Russian Canadians in Guelph deserve support too, as many Russians who demonstrated against President Putin’s war have been arrested.
“Solidarity is so important,” Guthrie said. “And this community is ready to take refugees.”
Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, leader of the provincial Green Party, also called for unity.
Iryna Soluk-Figol encouraged people to make financial donations to help the war-torn country.
“Good, decent people stand up for democracy. I am so inspired by the bravery, courage and resiliency of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
“And I know Guelph will welcome refugees with open arms, like we always do.”
Schreiner said the sanctions Canada and other countries have imposed on Russia will have an impact on the Russian economy and therefore the war, “but we will have to pay a bit too.
“Chrystia Freeland (federal finance minister) made that clear.”
A woman holds a sign at the rally for Ukraine in Guelph on March 6.
The crowd sang the Ukrainian national anthem, O’Canada, and shouted several rallying cheers, like “Stop the war” and “Glory to Ukraine, glory to our heroes” in English and Ukrainian.
But most importantly, the event raised more than $16,000 for Ukraine.
The church continues to accept donations.
