A Ukrainian woman is planning a rally in Kelowna on Tuesday, July 9, to remind people that the war isn't over.
Olena Heichenko moved to Ontario in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine in February of that year. Less than a year later, she relocated to Kelowna with her son and has lived here since.
Heichenko tried moving back to Ukraine in November 2023, but with the war raging on she decided to book a ticket back to Kelowna.
Fearing for her friends and family and hearing about the latest attack on Kyiv, Heychenko decided to plan a rally.
"It was a horrible missile attack on the biggest children's hospital," Heichenko said. "I just want to cry."
The Ukrainian woman explained that her husband, sister and nephews are all still in Ukraine and planning the rally is one way she can support them.
Heichenko is asking people to join her at the Spirit of Sails sculpture at Bernard Avenue and Abbott Street at 6:30 p.m.
A moment of silence is planned for 7:10 p.m. before attendees are asked to join Heichenko on a march through downtown.
The missile attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv killed over 40 people and injured dozens more.