St. Mary’s Catholic School Hosts Perogy Lunch Fundraiser for Ukraine

St. Mary’s Catholic School Hosts Perogy Lunch Fundraiser for Ukraine

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

St. Mary’s Catholic School in Vegreville held a perogy lunch fundraiser on March 24 which attracted 150 people.

More than $1,000 was raised during the event, and all of the proceeds will go towards Ukrainian refugees in the Town of Vegreville’s twin town of Kolomyia.

Coordinator Owen Pasey said he felt as President of St. Mary’s Catholic School Council, that it was important to host this fundraising event, especially in a town as Ukraine as Vegreville to help with the tragedies going on in Ukraine right now.

Students helping to make the perogy lunch.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

“This is a really big issue happening right now. We felt it was our duty as a Catholic school in a Ukrainian community to do something to support the refugees,” stated Pasey.

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee said he never thought in his lifetime, he would see it again that one country would turn on another country that have been neighbours.

“I am appalled by the way the world is reacting. I am very proud of Ukrainian people. I see hope in our community. People are asking every day what they can do. This is why we are putting the Vegreville Stands With Ukraine committee together.

Students helping to make the perogy lunch.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

But if the native countries don’t step up and do something now, it will be two years and Ukraine will be annihilated, and they will be looking at Poland or some other country to live in. I just don’t think we can wait anymore.

It just doesn’t make sense for NATO countries and for the world to stand by and watch. I thought we were passed that. History should have taught us a lesson on how the last war started. Somebody turned a blind eye to Hitler’s statement, “I am just taking one country.” And then look what happened.”

When asked if he agreed with the No Fly Zone that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is requesting, MacPhee replied, “I wish that NATO would reconsider. I know that they feel that they would get pulled into the war, but if we are supplying ammunitions and defense systems and anti tank weapons, we are already in the war. You can’t be a little bit in a war. You can be all in or nothing.”