A Barrie artist uses a symbol of hope to help the people of Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has compelled a Barrie artist to use her creativity to help those dealing with unimaginable conditions in Ukraine.
Linda Laforge, a portrait and caricature artist, recently created a digital painting of a sunflower, which is a symbol of loyalty and adoration.
"The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine," she says, "it's also very symbolic of hope, and it's kind of a bright, happy colour."
The sunflower has been put on dozens of items, including t-shirts available to buy online. All of the proceeds from the sales will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
"I wanted to make sure that 100 per cent of anything that sold, 100 per cent of my earnings, is going to help," says Laforge.
"So you can buy t-shirts, there's baby clothes, hoodies, a couple of mugs, about 40 items to choose from," she added.
Laforge aims to sell at least 200 t-shirts, raising $2000 for the Canada Ukraine Foundation. The shirt can be purchased from her website, LindaLaforge.com
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4% approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.

Poilievre faces backlash for comments on Jordan Peterson podcast
Some are calling attention to a comment about 'Anglo-Saxon words' that Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre made while appearing as a guest on controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson’s podcast. The term has been used by those on the far-right to differentiate white people from immigrants and people of colour.
Ed Fast out as Tory finance critic after criticizing leadership candidate Poilievre
Ed Fast is no longer the Conservative finance critic, interim party leader Candice Bergen says. Bergen said in a statement late Wednesday that Fast informed her he will be 'stepping away from his duties.'
Trudeau says Ottawa watching Quebec's proposed changes to language law 'carefully'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is watching 'carefully' how Quebec's Bill 96 is playing out provincially and respects the freedom of members of Parliament to protest it.
Four things Canadians can do to save money on their groceries during inflation
With Statistics Canada reporting a 9.7 per cent increase in food costs over the last year, Canadians are being pushed to find ways to pinch pennies at the grocery stores. Here are some ways to save.
Crown wants Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich returned to jail to await trial
Crown prosecutors want Ottawa protest organizer Tamara Lich sent back to jail to await trial, claiming she breached her bail conditions by agreeing to participate in an event next month where she will receive a 'Freedom Award.'
'Suffer in silence:' Experts worry of fallout from public reaction to Amber Heard's testimony
As Johnny Depp's defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard stretches into its fifth week, experts say public reaction to Heard's testimony sends a perilous reminder that despite the 'MeToo' movement, the credibility of alleged victims of abuse can be fragile.
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
Conservative party investigating complaint by Patrick Brown team about racist email
The Conservative Party of Canada is investigating a complaint lodged by Patrick Brown's leadership campaign about a racist email it says it received from a member.