A rally in support of Ukraine was held last weekend in Penticton. Pictured in this group photo, from the left, are Jaimie Miller-Haywood, Gordon de Roos, Beverly Clark and Sherry Mitchell.

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People standing with Ukraine are invited to join a second support rally in Penticton this weekend.

Sherry Mitchell and Jaimie Miller-Haywood –  two residents of the South Okanagan city – were strangers who became friends through their dismay over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Shortly after the invasion began on Feb. 24, they both had the same idea in mind: they wanted to support the defending nation with a local demonstration. They first connected through a Facebook post Miller-Haywood wrote asking if any rallies had yet been planned.

“It’s unbelievable someone can go into another country for no reason and start bombing them,” Mitchell said. “Innocent people are dying. We have to stand up and say no.”

Mitchell is a second-generation Canadian whose grandmother was born in Kiev. Some of her extended family still live in Eastern Europe and she is trying to get back in touch with relatives living in Ukraine. She stayed connected to her roots while living in rural Alberta, where other Ukrainian-Canadians made traditional cuisine and dancing a big part of the local culture.

READ MORE: Federal government warns Canadians against fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Last weekend’s rally had a modest turnout of demonstrators as it was only organized two days prior, but there was a strong showing of support. Mitchell noticed some drivers circling the block to share a few extra honks, while other supporters leaded out of their windows to cheer, and some were waving babushka scarves.

“You could see that we do have a Ukrainian population in Penticton,” she said. “The response we received... was just amazing. The overall energy from people was awesome."

Miller-Haywood noticed some people shouting obscenities toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Even from across the Atlantic, Miller-Haywood said that when groups of people gather, they can influence the flow of energy across the universe.

“And I want to put my energy toward peace on earth,” she said.

READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Rally for Ukraine draws large crowd outside Kelowna city hall

Both women wish the Canadian government would do more to support Ukraine but they understand how sticky politics can be.

“I want them to go in there and help. I want boots on the ground. I just want these poor people to have a chance,” said Mitchell. “It’s wonderful they are sending supplies but I’m torn – I want them to do more and I understand why they can’t.”

The two women mentioned worries about the situation escalating to the point of a Third World War.

In contrast to other demonstrations that have been happening this year, Miller-Haywood said “real freedom is at stake” for the people of Ukraine.

This weekend’s rally is on Saturday, March 5 at noon. It will take place at the intersection of Main Street and Warren Avenue.

Miller-Haywood encourages supporters to come out with noisemakers, blue and yellow signs, and said it might get musical if people want to bring guitars and drums.

READ MORE: Sorting fact, disinformation amid Russian war on Ukraine

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