A Prince Edward County resident is putting their craft skills to good work and supporting Ukrainian refugees at the same time.

Like most, Stephanie Waddingham saw the devastation in the streets of war torn Kyiv and Kharkov and her first reaction was absolute heart break and anger and hopelessness.

“Our family have friends whose families are from Ukraine so it hits home for them but these are our brothers and sisters not by relation but by being human just like Canadians,” Waddingham told the Gazette. With the largest build up of Ukrainian people outside of the country of Ukraine, it seems like every town across Canada has folks that are watching the news feeds and are desperate to stay in contact with loved ones under threat of invasion and war.

But how to support the Ukrainian people at this time of peril?

Even in a small way, Waddingham felt the need to do something.

“I just felt the need to step up and help these people. I wanted do something to show our Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian people that we are with them every step throughout this horrific, unjustified war, “ She said. “What better way then to wear what your heart is feeling. That’s where the Ribbon idea came to mind.”

A blue and yellow ribbon with a golden sunflower in the centre crafted by Waddingham symbolizes hope, peace and freedom.

Each ribbon costs $5 and all proceeds are going to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal Fund. Money raised through that venture will enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to respond to humanitarian needs generated by almost eight years of conflict, as well as preparedness and response efforts due to heightened tensions in Ukraine.

According the Red Cross, “support could include preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise, both in Ukraine and surrounding countries, including supporting populations displaced.”

“I chose this because the Federal government is matching the donations,” Waddingham added. For now, ribbons can be ordered and purchased through Waddinghams facebook page. to purchase them it’s through Facebook. “My hope is to have a group page and there we can organize volunteers and donations and to track the journey of these Ribbons,” she added.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/steph.redner For more details on the Canadian Red Cross efforts, please visit www.redcross.ca