As the world witnesses in horror the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces over the past few days, the reality of war once again in Europe has shocked many and already displaced more than half-a-million Ukrainians.

After years of instability and fighting in Ukraine’s eastern region of the Donbas, tensions between the West and Russia spilled over into Ukraine early Thursday morning when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine, effectively launching the invasion and declaring war on the Ukrainian people.

Since Thursday the world has developed an extraordinary solidarity response to the crisis, rallying behind the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and peace. Already we’ve seen solidarity rallies across the globe, governments from all sides of the political section essentially cutting Russia out of the global economy and incredible bravery and courage from those on the ground, especially ordinary citizens, taking up arms to protect their homelands.

As some would say, “all roads lead to Smithers.” Although the community is small, Smithers, in Northwest, B.C. is home to several Ukrainian nationals who recently organized a solidarity rally in support of Ukraine.

Luba Kasum, who spent most of her life in Chernhiv, moved to Canada over a decade ago, but still maintains a deep connection to Ukrain through her family and friends who she says are enduring the horrors of war, which are only getting worse by the day.

“I couldn’t believe it was really happening at the time, it’s tough to speak about it because I haven’t been sleeping much,” Kasum said.

I’ve been speaking with my friends in Ukraine, one is in the basement as they are being bombed. I never in my life thought that something like this could happen. But we will try to help in anyway we can.”

Kasum, along with others in Smithers, raised more than $12,000 to help Ukrainian humanitarian efforts over the last two weeks. She hopes to continue to raise funds that will go directly to Ukrainians on the ground.