Yulia Krupska (Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Support for Ukraine

Kamloops shows its community support for Ukraine, one year after invasion

Feb 24, 2023 | 5:16 PM

KAMLOOPS –Friday (Feb. 24) marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and all across Canada, citizens have been gathering to show support of Ukraine.

Dozens rallied at Thompson Rivers University, sharing stories of their family’s experiences and thoughts on the current state of Russia and Ukraine.

Yulia Krupska has been living in Kamloops since 2017, when she came to TRU from her home country of Ukraine. She has close family members who have been drafted into the Ukrainian forces.

Like many Ukrainians living abroad, the last year has been extremely hard for Yulia.

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“Obviously, it’s very scary, talking to people who’ve been in those areas [in Ukraine],” she told CFJC News.

But the last year has highlighted the patriotism of Ukrainians and gives strength to those away from home.

“We know what – people in Ukraine know what we are standing for,” Yulia said

The local Ukrainian Catholic Church hosted a special service Friday morning, with dedicated prayers to those who were lost in the war.

According to Kamloops Immigrant Services, more than 180 Ukrainians have arrived in Kamloops in the last year. The service says an average of four-to-five Ukrainians arrive in Kamloops each week. Starting over in Canada, however, has been difficult.

“Most of them are doing okay. They do have a job, they do try to thrive their life here,” said Sage Chang of Kamloops Immigrant Services. “But at the same time, cost of living and rental prices are really high, not only for Canadians – it applies to Ukrainians as well.”