The County of Prince Edward is kicking off its Friendship City Agreement with the Krasylivka Ubran Territorial Community in Ukraine by inviting the community to participate in a Christmas card campaign.
“As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth winter with no end in sight, it’s more important than ever to demonstrate our support and solidary for the Ukranian people,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says.
“I am pleased that Prince Edward County has deepened its special relationship with the Krasylivka Urban Territorial Community through this friendship agreement. The Christmas card campaign, supported by our amazing volunteers, is a wonderful way to brighten the season for the people of Krasyliv.”
County residents are encouraged to sign Christmas cards collaboratively designed by local artist Laurie Scott and Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group member Roxanne Mackenzie. The working group will send the cards to Krasyliv community members, including students in the city.
This inagural act of friendly community exchange and outreach is a great opportunity for the community to join the working group in establishing the first of many efforts to engage in opportunities that include culture, education, and youth services engagement.
Christmas cards will be available at the following locations:
Shire Hall Customer Service Desk (332 Picton Main St)
First floor of The Edward Building, Unit 101 (280 Picton Main St)
Prince Edward County library branches
Please sign the card and drop it in the box provided. Keep notes light, cheerful, and kind. Feel free to draw a picture.
The Christmas cards will be available to sign until Thursday, Nov 20 so that they can be delivered to Ukraine in time for the holiday.
The Friendship City Agreement is the first of its kind for Prince Edward County. In January 2023, County Council passed a motion to investigate establishing a twin-city relationship with a community in Ukraine of a comparable size. This initiative followed a dontation to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal in March 2022. The Ukranian flag continues to fly at Shire Hall in support of the people impacted by the Russian invasion.
Through the friendship agreement, both parties will work to foster mutual understanding and plan joint efforts in the areas of arts, culture, education, sports, youth services, tourism, environment, public health, and business development.
“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to develop a partnership relations between our communities and are confident that this will mark the beginning of a meaningful and long-term collaboration, built on mutual respect, trust, and friendship,” says Nila Ostrovska, Mayor of Krasylivka Urban Territorial Community.
Prince Edward County and Krasyliv share a connection dating back to 2019. A delegation of elected Ukranian officals including Mayor Ostrovska came to Prince Edward County as part of Ukraine: Partnership for Local Economic Development and Democratic Governance. The program, implemented by FCM and financed by Global Affairs Canada, worked to strengthen local governments and create a better future for communities in Ukraine.
The municipality has established Friendship City Working Group to implement the community-based aspects of the agreement. The working group has joined the Rotary Club of Picton to advance these efforts, the first of which is a Christmas card campaign.
Inquiries related to the Krasyliv City Christmas Card Campaign can be emailed to friendshipcity@pecounty.on.ca
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
