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Decals supporting Ukrainian refugee relief launched in Quesnel

Big Country Printers Ltd. is one of several local businesses that has launched fundraising efforts

Gilbert Schotel of Big Country Printers Ltd. in Quesnel knew he wanted to do something to help as photos and videos continue to emerge of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, where millions have fled from Russian assault.

On Wednesday, March 9, vinyl blue and yellow decals emblazoned with the words “I Stand With Ukraine” were made available to support Ukrainian refugee relief.

“I think we all see the images coming through the news and on social media, and you look at the horrific things,” Schotel said.

“Their lives were like ours just a few months ago, and now they’re in turmoil, so if we can help in any way, I think that’s the right thing to do.”

Schotel said he had seen pleas for help earlier from a charity located in Vernon, which for the past decade has helped Ukrainian orphans and is now sending containers of necessities to refugees making their way into Poland.

He said his father had asked him to make a sticker “I Support Ukraine” that he could put on his truck.

Read More: Ukrainian-Canadian heart cries in Quesnel

“And then I started thinking maybe we should do something more with that,” Shotel said.

“It kind of came out of that, so it’s a little bit spur of the moment, but at least allows us to do something, right?”

All proceeds from the $10 decals will be donated to support Ukrainian refugee relief. They are available on-demand at the copy shop located in downtown Quesnel at 402 St Laurent Avenue.

Long Table Grocery is also supporting fundraising efforts, providing a ‘love local draw’ for gift certificates and prizes donated by local businesses.

Every $20 donation to Ukrainian aid organizations Otchiy Dim (Children’s Aid and Orphan Home Projects), Razom (Human Rights and Emergency response projects) and World Central Kitchen (supporting refugees) until Saturday, March 12, count as an entry for the draw.

A week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, a Ukraine inspired mug by Gold Pan Pottery was raffled at The Den by Moonshine Coffee Roasters, raising $165 for the Red Cross to support Ukrainians.

On Thursday, March 10, the City of Quesnel announced it is flying the Ukrainian national flag at Lebourdais Park “in honour and support of Ukraine.”

Read More: Canadians head to Ukraine amid questions, concerns

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com



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