Ottawa Valley artist paints sunflowers for Ukraine
Ottawa Valley painter Jill Alexander is auctioning off eight unique sunflower paintings in support of Ukraine.
The sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine, has become a symbol of peace and solidarity for the war-torn country since Russia invaded at the end of February.
Earlier this month, while working in her studio, Alexander was watching events in Ukraine unfold when one update struck a nerve.
"The bombing of the maternity hospital," Alexander recalls, talking with CTV News. "My third grandchild was due any day, so that was a really emotional thing for me."
Alexander welcomed her third grandchild happy and healthy this past Saturday, but it was at that time that the valley artist took a sign from the universe.
"As they're talking about the hospital bombing, I'm looking at the TV and right beside it is the big sunflower painting and it just seemed totally obvious."
Alexander has now completed eight unique sunflower paintings, most in the colours of Ukraine, and put them up for auction on her Facebook page. She says 100% of the bid proceeds will go to the Red Cross Ukraine humanitarian crisis fund. Bidding for all eight paintings ends March 16.
"I feel like my effort plays a small part in a bigger effort," says Alexander.
The 62-year-old painter says despite being safe at home thousands of kilometres away, her work brings her pride that she is doing whatever she can to help those affected.
"If we can all do something, it's going to benefit. So, this isn't just me. It's me and my two [helpers] and all these people that are bidding who are making a difference."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.