‘Really means a lot’: Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community celebrates Independence Day

As the world marks the 30th month since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, members of Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community came together at The Forks on Saturday morning to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their home country’s independence.

“That’s where our hearts and thoughts are,” said Halyna Shtoyko, a Unity Run volunteer. “Especially on this day.”

“Independence Day.”

The event’s organizer Nazariy Chychkevych, one of the many newcomers to Canada, having arrived just two years ago, says the celebrations come with mixed emotions, knowing their country’s fight for freedom is far from over.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a celebration for me,” said Chychkevych. “It’s a time to reflect on our brothers and sisters back home.

“And how hard it is for them to celebrate independence.”

RELATED: Ukrainian newcomers to Winnipeg feeling hopeful ahead of country’s Independence Day

Donning the blue and yellow of Ukraine, over 100 participants took part in a charity run, the first Ukrainian Unity Run, in support of the ongoing efforts on the frontlines.

“When the war started and people were asking how is your family, I’d tell them you have to understand all of Ukraine, all 44 million is our family, that’s how we feel, ” said Shtoyko.

For Shtoyko, while they may be nearly 8,000 kilometres away from the fighting, distance isn’t stopping them from playing their part in supporting Ukrainian’s future.

“We feel each other’s pain when we come together,” she explained. “We want to contribute as much as we can to the effort of defending Ukraine that is happening right now.”

Now, two-and-a-half years into war, Shtoyko is grateful for the continued support she has seen from Canadians in Winnipeg.

“It really means a lot to us to see those Ukrainian flags around Winnipeg,” she said. “I want people to continue to do that.”

“It is important.”