An Alberta couple that has been helping children in Ukraine for over 10 years say their Crimea-based charity will suffer due to Sunday’s referendum.
Reports indicate that 95 per cent of Crimean residents voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.
Devon resident, Laila Craddock said she and her husband have held summer camps for Crimea children through Mercy House Outreach Centre, but they no longer have access to their building.
“We don’t know where we go from here,” she told CTV News.
“Now that Crimea basically belongs to Russia because of the referendum today we do not have access to our property.”
The camp focuses on orphaned, disabled and needy kids in the Ukraine.
“We have helped hundreds of kids. We’re concerned. We are concerned for their welfare and what is going to happen next to them?”
Roman Shiyan with the Canadian Centre for Ukrainian Studies said the results of the referendum were not a surprise.
“They knew already what the results would be.
“It has been really pre-arranged.”
Many Western countries have come out condemning the vote including Canada and the United States.
"The so-called referendum held today was conducted with Crimea under illegal military occupation. Its results are a reflection of nothing more than Russian military control," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
He added that Canada will not recognize the outcome.
Shiyan said it was a wake-up call for Ukrainians.
“People in Ukraine are also going to lose some of their illusions about the government of the neighbouring country.
“The events of the past few days really point at some ill-will towards any Ukraine government and Ukraine people who chose to live in a free, democratic society.”
Craddock said they would now have to wait and see what happens next.
“If this doesn’t progress further with Russia then we will go and bring camp to the children in the villages.
“It is not the same forsure for the kids but at least they know that we haven’t abandoned them.”
With files from Sarah Richter
