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Reasons to Love Toronto Now

Because we stepped up for Ukraine

The war was half a world away, but that didn’t stop Toronto from finding ways to help

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Because we stepped up  for Ukraine
Photograph by Joshua Best
Because we stepped up  for Ukraine

There are roughly 80,000 Ukrainians in Toronto. But when Russian missiles rained down on Ukraine in February, city dwellers of all cultures, ages and faiths sprang into action. Thousands marched to denounce Putin’s assault, and some brave souls even flew to Europe to fight or aid fleeing refugees. One military veteran raised more than $3 million to buy armour and medical supplies for Ukrainian troops. A team of arts producers organized an exhibition of paintings by the Ukrainian artist Taras Shevchenko and donated the proceeds. SickKids opened its doors to cancer-fighting refugees; local tech CEOs hired displaced programmers. In short, the outpouring of support was swift and steady. This may not be Canada’s fight, but Toronto made itself a staunch ally from afar.

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Luc Rinaldi is a National Magazine Award–winning journalist based in Toronto. His work has appeared in Maclean’s, Toronto Life, The Walrus and Report on Business, among other publications. He has taught magazine feature writing at his alma mater, the School of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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