A rally for Ukraine March 20, 2022 at the Harvey Avenue pedestrian overpass in Kelowna.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

What started with three people and a desire to help Ukraine has grown into a joint effort to distribute thousands of dollars worth of tactical gear and equipment to the country.

The Kelowna Stands for Ukraine group has raised $140,000, most of which has already been spent on equipment such as body armour and medical supplies that have crossed the Polish border into Ukraine, said organizer Dennis Storozhuk, during a rally to support Ukraine on March 22.

Roughly 100 people gathered to show their support at the rally. Last month, Russia invaded Ukraine, causing millions to flee.

READ MORE: Thompson Nicola man honouring Ukrainian grandfather by fighting for his country

A Kelowna resident and fellow Kelowna Stands with Ukraine member Sue Weldon doesn't have relatives or ties with Ukraine but didn't want to do nothing.

"A lot of us in Kelowna are feeling stressed out and powerless," she said, adding she was watching the news every night feeling like she couldn't do anything so she joined this group. Weldon has been collecting medical supplies.

The group has been behind multiple fundraising initiatives in Kelowna, most notably rallies held outside City Hall and along the Harvey Avenue overpass.

“It’s was very encouraging to see how our movement takes direction and it grows like a snowball. What was started by essentially three people now has over 20,” Storozhuk said.

The group has also funded several individuals and provided military training to residents wanting to fight with Ukraine overseas.

READ MORE: Kelowna man heading to Ukraine to provide support

A petition has also been launched by the group and will be presented by MP Tracy Gray in the House of Commons, Storozhuk said.

The petition calls for the additional anti-aircraft rocket systems in Ukraine, for the federal government to impose a full trade embargo with Russia, impose further economic sanctions as needed, freeze assets of Russian oligarchs, recall Canadian embassies from Russia and Belarus and expel Russian embassies from Canada as well as expedite settlements of Ukrainian refugees.

Kelowna Stands with Ukraine is also promoting the idea for Kelowna to become a sister city with Rivne a city in Western Ukraine with a population of 150,000. Kelowna currently only has one sister city, the Japanese city of Kasugai, Storozhuk said.

“It would be huge news and a huge benefit,” he said. The idea is to channel all the help from Kelowna residents and businesses to Rivne.

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