Against the backdrop of a bright blue sky and the words "Imagine Peace" emblazoned across the front of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Art Gallery thanks to its current feature exhibit, hundreds gathered in downtown Saturday afternoon to show support for Ukraine as the nation is under brutal attack from Russia.
The March 5 gathering, called "Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Stands with Ukraine against Russian Invasion - Anti-War Rally," held on the plaza outside the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»landmark is the second such event, following a similar rally held last weekend in the same location.
The event was a huge draw, bringing in peaceful demonstrators, many of whom carried blue and yellow Ukrainian flags and signs with messages of peace or anger at Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"Ukraine resists, and Ukraine will win," said one speaker. Several people took to the steps of the venue to address the crowd in words and song.
In addition to attending these rallies, event organizer Pavlo Ponikarovskyi suggests Vancouverites can donate to Ukrainian-related aid and non-profits, share information with friends and on social networks, and write to their local MPs.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress BC Provincial Council and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Branch have also issued a B.C. and Vancouver-wide call to action to continue its "Stand With Ukraine" campaign.
Here are some images shared on social media from the rally:
With files from Elana Shepert
