More than 200 people are expected to attend a rally Wednesday (Feb. 26) honouring the victims of last week’s violence in the Ukraine.
The rally, outside Victoria City Hall, is a service of remembrance and to declare support for anti-government demonstrators in Kiev, where a bloody confrontation with police last Thursday left more than 80 dead.
Rally spokesperson Laura Walsh said the event will involve prayer, the lighting of candles and speeches from leaders of the local Ukrainian community.
“We would encourage everyone in the community to come out and show their support for people living in the Ukraine,” Walsh said.
The event is sponsored by several local Ukrainian groups and coordinated by the Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
More than 1.2 million Canadians claim Ukrainian heritage – several hundred in Greater Victoria – the largest number outside the boundaries of the former Soviet Union.
Rallies were held this weekend in seven Canadian cities. Observances were also held in Ukrainian churches.
The Victoria rally begins at 7 p.m.
