Ukrainian residents from across Waterloo Region and beyond gathered at Kitchener City Hall Sunday afternoon for a birthday celebration of their country. The event was held by the Ukraine Canadian Congress’ (UCC) Waterloo-Wellington branch alongside Plast Kitchener Waterloo. Families attending the event came ahead of Ukraine’s official Independence Day, which is Monday, on August 24. Celebrations of the country’s 35th year of Independence were also joined by a callback to the Ukraine War, as attendees spoke in favour of the federal government continuing to assist Ukraine with aid. Yellow and blue were raised into the sky as families watched a Ukrainian flag raise that kicked off the event with music and a live choir performance shortly after. There were several speakers at the event, including members of the UCC Waterloo-Wellington Branch, local religious leaders, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, and survivors who escaped the Ukraine war frontlines. Attendees shared stories with one another following the formal remarks from the event’s organizers, with many staying for hours after. The Waterloo-Wellington UCC branch will look to continue their efforts to keep Ukrainians united away from home on Canadian soil through other events and further discussions with local politicians on ways they can advocate for the community. It has been over four years since Russia invaded Ukraine in the current war in 2022.
