Colourful wall of art welcomes Ukraine arrivals

Passing by the arrival gates at Pearson International Airport was a colourful sight to see during the fall season.
 
“There are over 100 art pieces up here, all created and coloured by the kids of the families that we’re helping out” says Gail Gordon, one of the Red Cross site managers, as she points to the large collage of artwork displayed behind her. 
 
Red Cross has set up a welcome-site at the arrival gates to assist newcomers from Ukraine with immediate needs. As a result of the generosity from Canadians, the Red Cross has been able to aid individuals and families who have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
 
“Children are perceptive - they can feel the tension, as well as the relief” says Gordon. The triage process can be long and tiresome depending on the situation, sometimes resulting in over 10 hour wait periods. And at a time of distress and doubt, children were able to free their minds with art and colour. “You can tell that the children feel a sense of pride when they see the pictures on the wall”, Gordon adds. The mural of children’s artwork is a heartwarming display of camaraderie, and a perfect visual greeting for those walking through.
 
Whether it was through art, or fun and games, the Red Cross team would make sure to keep the children occupied and relaxed. “We played with paper planes, ran around, we even played hide and seek!” added Kateryna Loboda, one of the on-site interpreters.
 
Loboda says “it’s been a gratifying experience, one of the children even said to me - ‘thank you for being the first friendly face in Canada’.
 
The Canadian Red Cross had launched the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to respond to the vast humanitarian needs in Ukraine and surrounding countries, which includes immediate and ongoing relief efforts. To donate, please click here.