Prince George’s political leaders gathered to say we are ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees to the Northern Capital.
They were joined by Father Andrii Chornenkyii of the Ukrainian St. George’s Catholic Church.
“This is a sign for me, for our Ukrainian community here in Prince George, and here up north, that the people of Prince George, and Canada in general, are standing with Ukraine,” Chornenkyii said.
“What we will do today is not just nice words, not just words of support, but we turn from the words to action.”
“I really appreciate we are not only compassionate in words, but also we are really willing to to do something for those people who are suffering the most.”
Mayor Lyn Hall, Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, and Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Chair Art Kaehn each signed a letter that will be sent to both the federal and provincial governments to let them now Prince George is willing and ready to accept refugees from Ukraine.
“We know that it’s a significant process, but it’s important to make a specific ask and to make that statement on behalf of everyone in our communities and our region,” said MLA Bond.
“Often when refugees, in particular, come they are often sent to large urban centres, and we need to send a clear message that every part of Canada, and particularly British Columbia, wants to do their part.”
She added that Chornenkyii’s home community in Ukraine was bombed last night, and commended him providing leadership for his community here in Prince George.
“Father, I just want you know that we stand with you, you and your family, your community, and all of Ukraine,” said MP Doherty.
“During times of crisis, we all work together, publicly it’s not seen, we just do it. I think people need to see more often that we are a cohesive unit. Do we have disagreements? Yes, we do, but more than ever we stand together, we work together tirelessly for our community for events that impact our community.”
Charles Scott also spoke about a new volunteer group: Prince George for Ukraine.
“A lot of people were interested in finding out how they can help, what they needed was to understand what the options were, and if they wanted to help, to make sure they were connected to people who had needs,” Scott explained.
“Right now, if somebody want to make donations, we’re able to offer suggestions as to what, ‘here are some options for you based on what you’re looking for’. ‘How can I help?’ Well here are ways you can help. ‘I want to give money’, here’s who’s doing what.”
Prince George for Ukraine is also preparing to launch a website to provide information on how people can help and what needs have been identified. They are also looking at additional fundraising efforts to support families that will arrive in Prince George in the future.
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