One man from Ukraine and two from Poland are visiting a handful of Canadian cities this week and subsequent.
The aim of their journey: To say thanks for the assist that Canadians are giving to Ukraine because it battles Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The trio arrived at Kelowna International Airport on Tuesday afternoon and was greeted by members of the Lake Country Alliance Church, which is among the many native organizations that’s despatched 1000’s of {dollars} to assist the plight of Ukrainians.
“You should use this cash for your self. You in all probability have your individual wants and needs and stuff like that, however you’re taking one thing that’s vital for you, and also you give it to Ukraine,” stated Dmitry Bodyu, a pastor from Ukraine.
He added, “you don’t expertise what’s going on up there. However you actually, whenever you give one thing, you place your coronary heart the place your cash is or your assistance is.”
Bodyu is from the Russian-occupied southeastern metropolis of Melitopol, and he is aware of firsthand the horrors of conflict.
He says he was serving to his fellow Ukrainians when he was arrested by Russian officers a few month into the conflict and held captive.
“They held me for eight days after which they launched me,” he stated. “There have been lots of people praying about me. I by no means knew about this.”
Bodyu says the Russians by no means touched him, not like others they had been additionally holding captive.
“They had been beating up the opposite individuals … at all times any individual screaming and stuff like that. So it was not an excellent sound to listen to, all day lengthy,” Bodyu stated.
He finally managed to flee to Poland, a rustic that has taken in some 4 million Ukrainian refugees.
Additionally making the journey was Jonasz Topilolo, a Polish businessman.
Talking in Polish, Topilolo stated Poland needs to assist Ukraine and be a good friend.
Polish pastor Krsysztof Zareba says his fellow countrymen and ladies have opened their hearts and houses to displaced Ukrainians.
Noting that he’s housing 9 refugees, Zareba added that with out Canadian assist, together with help from Okanagan residents, they wouldn’t have the ability to provide the extent of help that they’re at present capable of.
Topilolo added that along with serving to Ukrainian refugees with shelter, meals and clothes, they wish to go deeper and provide hope.
The Lake Nation Alliance Church is holding a free public occasion on Thursday night, the place all three males will share tales from being in Ukraine and Poland.
The occasion, at 12025 Oceola Highway, begins at 7 p.m.
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