On Friday evening, students were joined at Campus Central by Alyn Smith MP to hold a vigil as part of Action for Ukraine Week.
The vigil, organised by student Caitlin Turner, is one of many events put together over the past week to raise money for Razom for Ukraine and United Help Ukraine.
Brought together by a small group of volunteers, Action for Ukraine Week has raised over £1,000 in monetary donations.
In her speech, Caitlin spoke of how this “incredible show of community” has helped to “maintain a degree of hope, seeing people come together to show strength and resilience.”
Credit: Imogen Robinson
“We stand here to honour those lives lost and displaced, not just by today’s invasion of Ukraine by Putin and his government, but also to remember all those who have been lost in the long-standing history of violence Ukraine has faced throughout the years.”
Caitlin Turner, organiser
Throughout the vigil, candles were lit, blue-yellow flags were worn, and speeches were delivered by various different students.
Alyn Smith was invited to say a few words and spoke of the importance of “showing solidarity to our Ukrainian friends, especially at this time.”
Smith said he had been “blown away by the support of the people in Stirling and the length and breadth of Scotland.”
“Everything seems so inadequate compared to the suffering of the Ukrainian people at the ends of an illegal war. There’s a lot more we need to do practically but events like this are so important to show that solidarity and fellow feeling.”
Alyn Smith, Stirling MP
Some of those attending came clutching the national flower of Ukraine (the sunflower) which has become a global symbol of solidarity in recent weeks.
A moment of silence was also observed in remembrance and reflection for those lost in the conflict.
You can donate to Action for Ukraine Week here.
Featured image credit: Imogen Robinson
English Studies at Stirling '23 / Pet Sitter / Yoga Teacher / Writer 💗
[…] shared values of compassion, empathy and taking action to fight injustice. We in Stirling stand with the people of Ukraine in their darkest days, and will act swiftly to support refugees fleeing Russia’s war of […]