The poet and singer Irina Hodakivska has been living in Rēzekne for nearly two years, raising two sons, and also actively engaging in cultural life, attending various local events.
“I'm actively engaging in Rēzekne's public life, singing in a church choir, singing at various concerts, supporting my Ukraine. I learn Latvian and am infinitely grateful to the people of Latvia. Since I'v lived here, I have attended various cultural events [..]. Also, we often visit the cinema with our children and watch movies, including cartoons in Ukrainian. This is very important for our children so they don't start forgetting their native language,” Irina told Latvian Radio.
On February 24 – the day when two years pass since Russia's full invasion of Ukraine, a support event dedicated to the Ukrainian people will be held in Rēzekne “From the heart to Ukraine”.
Daiga Stavska, one of the organizers of the event, was born in Rēzekne, but lived in Ukraine for the past 30 years working in the advertising business. With her husband and daughter-in-law, Daiga also came back to Latvia as a refugee. Her sons were conscripted into the Ukrainian army.
According to Daiga, in any situation, much depends on the person, on the position of his life: “Those people who are used to being active in previous life, they can't just sit back and think what to do. We also continue to do what we did in Ukraine - organization of events, meetings of all sorts, and that is what we organize for Ukrainians to unite them. And so the idea came to host the event on February 24. My husband and I have long had the idea of creating a Ukrainian society that will help unite the Ukrainians who will stay to live not only in Rēzekne but in Latgale.”
Ukrainians living in Rēzekne have prepared a support event dedicated to Ukrainian people at the Cultural House of the National Societies of Rēzekne. There will be an exhibition of paintings, a camouflage net workshop, as well as a “good wishes for Ukraine” promotion. Until February 24, donations to Ukrainian army soldiers – woollen socks, sweets and coffee – can be handed over at the cultural house.
