AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 10, 2026
Carrying a Story Across an Island
Julia Cardy of Fredericton is bringing a powerful symbol from Ukraine to Atlantic Canada. Starting October 14, Cardy sets out to walk more than 250 kilometres across Prince Edward Island, carrying the ukraine battalion flag of the Alcatraz Battalion. This fundraising walk along the Confederation Trail aims to support Ukrainian soldiers and bring their experiences closer to home.
The Flag's Journey: From Ukraine to Canada
The Alcatraz Battalion flag is not just a piece of fabric—it carries with it the experiences and hopes of those serving on the front lines in Ukraine. The flag was first carried by April Huggett, a senior combat medic originally from Castlegar, B.C., who walked 700 kilometres from Kyiv to Kramatorsk. During her break from duty, Huggett made this journey along the front line to raise awareness and funds for the Ukrainian soldiers she works with in the 93rd Mechanized Brigade.
"It changed who I was. It changed my motivations," said Huggett, reflecting on her experience. "It made me realize that … we are very much alone, but we’re always together, every single one of us." Now the flag travels with Cardy, who hopes to raise $100,000 for the battalion through the organization Planet of People.
Friendship and Battlefield Solidarity
Cardy and Huggett's friendship began through a shared concern for Ukraine and grew through dedicated aid deliveries, fundraising, and time spent together supporting Ukrainians. Cardy first visited Ukraine in 2004 to observe elections, and after the full-scale invasion in 2022, she helped refugees come to New Brunswick. Their teamwork includes delivering supplies to soldiers and supporting children affected by the war.
At Cardy's wedding, she asked guests to donate to an orphanage in Kharkiv instead of gifts. Huggett delivered those funds, ensuring the children received food, clothing, and relief during a hot summer.
Volunteering in Ukraine and Bringing Stories Home
In January 2024, Cardy volunteered alongside Huggett in Ukraine, taking part in aid deliveries and experiencing firsthand the challenges and dangers of life near the front. "One minute you’re talking about food or fuel or where you’re going next, and the next minute you’re thinking about whether it’s safe to keep moving," Cardy said. Through her journey, Cardy wants her friend and fellow canadian volunteer, Huggett, to feel supported from afar. "I want April to feel that people here are with her."
Huggett noted, "Ukraine is not just a place where something terrible is happening. It’s a place where people are still living, still laughing, still making plans and still trying to build a future." The flag's passage helps make these distant realities feel tangible to Canadians.
The Symbolism of the Flag and Continuing Support
The ukraine battalion flag now serves as a symbol of battlefield solidarity, connection, and ongoing efforts to support ukrainian soldiers. Huggett described how the flag has become more than a symbol: "It carries the people who have held it, the people who have supported us and the people who are still waiting for this war to end." The goal is for the flag to return to Ukraine, signed by Canadian supporters, after its journey.
Until then, Cardy continues her fundraising walk on P.E.I., taking each step with purpose. "I can’t change everything," Cardy said, "But I can take the next step. And then I can take another one."
About the Author
Polina Kozlova is a journalist based in Fredericton. She can be reached at polina.kozlova@cbc.ca for story ideas.
Source: cbc.ca.
