Langford is stretching out the hand of friendship to Ukraine as a demonstration of ongoing support and commitment to the communities affected by war.
The city has agreed to work with local humanitarian group, Vancouver Island Supports Ukraine (VISU), to establish a formal Friendship City connection with one of the Ukraine municipalities of Horokhiv, Boratyn, Olyka, Kamin-Kashyrsk and Kivertsy in Volyn oblast of Western Ukraine.
Once in place, Friendship City programs foster international understanding, cultural exchange and meaningful cooperation between municipalities. Langford will join the program either individually or as a collaboration with one or more of the West Shore municipalities.
The City of Colwood has also agreed to join the Friendship City program.
“We have a passionate community that is supporting Ukraine,” said Kimberley Guiry, Langford councillor who proposed the motion at a council meeting on Aug. 19.
As a sign of their ongoing commitment to the Friendship City program, Langford has also committed to an annual budget of $5,000.
“It is putting out a very good intention and reflection on how strongly this community feels,” said Coun. Lillian Szpak, who proposed the more permanent financial pledge.
Whilst supportive of the initiative, Coun. Mark Morley urged caution about making an annual commitment, instead asking for the pledge to be reviewed every two years, or be given an end date.
"Wars don’t last forever," said Morley, "and at some point Ukraine will be able to rebuild and support themselves and won’t require this $5,000."
City staff reassured the councillor that the $5,000 would be reviewed annually as part of the normal budgetary processes.
“It might not always be about conflict and a team going into these terrible circumstances that people are suffering in,” said Szpak, explaining that the Friendship City relationship would change and evolve over time.
Councillors also agreed to give $5,000 to VISU to support their ongoing work with the Ukrainian municipalities. VISU is expected to travel to Ukraine in September to continue its relief efforts.
The group, led by retired Langford Fire Chief Bob Beckett, has recently been fundraising to purchase medical equipment for the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Children’s Hospital in Ukraine.
