Support for Ukraine is pouring in from BC politicians and celebrities alike, as a famed Vancouver-born actor pledges to match donations for the war-stricken country up to $1 million.
In a Saturday tweet, Ryan Reynolds said he and actress wife Blake Lively would be matching donations dollar-for-dollar to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“In 48 hours, countless Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries. They need protection. When you donate, we’ll match it up to $1,000,000, creating double the support,” wrote Reynolds.
In 48 hours, countless Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries. They need protection. When you donate, we’ll match it up to $1,000,000, creating double the support.⬇️ https://t.co/xCFL1Lptuw https://t.co/CHp48E1KLQ
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 26, 2022
According to the UNHCR, its organization provides critical support to refugees, standing with them to help save, protect and rebuild the lives of millions.
In fact, when considering Russia’s military invasion, the UNHCR predicts nearly three million people in Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance this year.
“Your compassionate support can help provide emergency supplies, lifesaving care and protection the moment Ukrainian families are forced to flee for their lives,” states the UNHCR’s donation page.
“You will help children, women and men displaced by violence in Ukraine know they are not alone at the most devastating moment of their lives.”
On Friday, the federal government announced it would also be matching every donation made by Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross between February 24th and March 18th, up to $10 million.
Meanwhile, in a Friday statement, BC Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the province would be contributing $1 million for the Red Cross to support the people of Ukraine.
“We join the Prime Minister and allied nations in deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Farnworth. “Our province stands with those who understand Europe’s peace following two world wars depends on respecting international law.”
This past weekend, rallies were held across the country, including on Vancouver Island, with large flag-waving crowds gathering in solidarity with Ukraine.
In Victoria, blue and yellow flooded the lawn of BC’s Legislature Sunday as people held up signs stamped with words like “No War” and “Stop Putin”.
Hosted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Victoria branch), leading up to the event, branch president Devon Sereda Goldie told Victoria Buzz that “everybody is really concerned; we’re hurting.”
“To be able to gather together as a community is really special,” said Goldie. “It’s impactful.”
