Ottawa flag shops can't keep up with demand for Ukrainian flags
People in Ottawa have been stepping up to support Ukraine any way they can, and that includes flying the country’s blue and yellow flag. So much so, that stores are having a hard time keeping up with the demand.
“Day one after the invasion the phone started ringing, people started coming in,” says World of Maps employee Alex Hirnsperger. “We sold everything we had, not much but they sold out. And then we ordered more the next day, they came, they were sold out. And it hasn’t stopped since.”
The store on Wellington Street West has also set up a donation globe that they will match up to $2000. All the proceeds going to The Red Cross.
The donation globe at World of Maps in Ottawa, raising money for the Red Cross in Ukraine. The store will match donations up to $2000. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)
“People buy the flags and they’re sad but at least it helps them cope and support it,” says Hirnsperger.
Their printer in the back has been working non-stop, making new flags as the orders come in.
“Of the flags, the small ones, medium ones and the large ones, and the printed ones, we have sold 189 since the beginning of this month,” says employee Megan Bystricky.
Those in the Ukrainian Canadian community say they are happy to see the support that Ottawa has shown for Ukraine.
“I think it’s wonderful to support,” says Michael Kostiuk of the Ukrainian National Federation of Ottawa. “Obviously people have seen what’s been happening on TV and particularly on social media. If you have any social media, you can’t miss what's going on. People are just drawn to show any form of support for Ukraine they can I guess.”
The demand is no different at The Flag Shop on Bank Street.
“We had 50 flags in the big size and they sold within a day,” says owner Alan McLaughlin. “Our existing stock, which we always have, sold very quickly. Then we ordered whatever we could get. And we started sewing as much as we could possibly sew.”
Dozens of Ukrainian flags must be sewn every day to try to keep up with the demand.
Shoppers at The Flag Shop say it’s important to help in any way possible.
“We’re here to show that the rest of the world is here to support. Canada is here to support,” says shopper Karoline. “And you know, it touches us close to home.”
Bohdana Dutka who is Ukrainian, filled her bags with as much blue and yellow she could find.
Bohdana Dutka holding up her Canadian Ukrainian pin at The Flag Shop in Ottawa. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)
“These phenomenal little Ukrainian flags that show Canada and Ukraine,” says Dutka. “Our partnership combined, that we can wear on our jackets, on our lapels, in my Zoom meetings. In order to show the continued solidarity between the two countries. And we’ll do anything we can to support Ukraine and stop the suffering.”
Get in touch
Are you in Ukraine? Do you have family in Ukraine? Are you or your family affected? Email ottawanews@bellmedia.ca.
- Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
- Your comments may be used in a CTVNewsOttawa.ca story.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Board orders deportation for trucker in horrific Humboldt Broncos crash
The truck driver who caused the horrific bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has been ordered to be deported.
Community mourns victims of fatal boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
The three people killed in last weekend's tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
A woman took her dog to a shelter to be euthanized. A year later, the dog is up for adoption again
Exhausted and short on options after consulting two veterinary clinics, Kristie Pereira made the gut-wrenching decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
Group tied to Islamic State plotted fatal Ontario restaurant shooting: Crown
A gunman who is accused of killing a young Ontario man and shooting four of his family members at their small Mississauga restaurant in 2021 was allegedly part of a trio who had pledged allegiance to the listed terrorist group Islamic State, a Crown attorney said in an opening statement in the Brampton murder trial this week.
'A really bad car crash': Why health experts are raising concerns over surging syphilis cases
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was once thought to be a thing of the past is now a public health priority for North American doctors.
Purolator truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. save man walking in Hwy. 407 lanes
A pair of Purolator transport truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. are being hailed as heroes for their efforts in helping a person in crisis.
Trudeau responds to American senators calling on Canada to increase defence spending
Stopping short of offering the assurance U.S. senators are seeking, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is aware there's more work to do in order to see Canada meet NATO's defence spending target.
Toddler dies after being struck by recycling truck in Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood
A toddler has died after being struck by a recycling truck in a Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.
Milk sold in Canadian grocery stores tested for avian influenza; results released
As avian flu spreads south of the border, Canadian officials are now testing samples of milk sold in grocery stores across the country.