Events
The egg is symbol of new life, celebration, and hope, and the intricate Ukrainian design speaks to artistry, vibrancy, and resilience. These are qualities that we strive for in the gatherings we host. Throughout the seasons, we host many kinds of events for doing, learning, reflecting, and supporting each other.
All events reflect Okanagan 4 Ukraine's mission, which has three pillars: 1) Education—building understanding and awareness of Ukraine's culture, history, and present realities; 2) Relief of poverty and trauma—providing practical supports for resilience, dignity, and well-being; 3) Community benefit—bringing people together to inspire action and solidarity.
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UPCOMING
Stories from around the world
Okanagan 4 Ukraine is excited to return to Stories from Around the World! Join us for a joyful, hands-on celebration of Ukrainian culture created especially for children and families. We will share Ukrainian heritage children’s stories; lead a craft inspired by traditional Ukrainian art and design; have a lively sing-along of traditional Ukrainian children’s songs; and offer a tasty Ukrainian treat. The activity supports Okanagan 4 Ukraine’s charitable purpose of promoting cultural understanding and community inclusion through educational and arts-based engagement.
A heartfelt thank you to NITEO for organizing Stories from Around the World and creating a welcoming space for all of us to learn, share, and celebrate our diverse cultural heritages. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Date: February 16, 2026
Time: 1:00—3:30 p.m.
Location: 1265 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7
Cost: Free
Teaching and supporting war-refugee learners in Canada
On February 13, Okanagan 4 Ukraine is honoured to deliver a professional learning workshop at the upcoming Teachers’ Zonal Pro-D Day at Kelowna Secondary School (School District 23). The workshop is open to teachers, administrators, settlement officers, and classroom assistants. This three-hour training, offered in person and online, addresses the timely and important question of how schools can respond appropriately and compassionately to students experiencing war-related trauma.
The workshop will be co-led by Nataliya Chorna, MACP, MEd, RCC of Maple Hope Foundation, an experienced counsellor who has worked extensively with Ukrainian children in BC classrooms since 2022, and Dr. Eugene Krupa, a public health expert, former Grade 6 teacher, and advisor to the Okanagan 4 Ukraine Board.
Together, the presenters will guide participants through essential background context, practical case studies, and interactive role-play scenarios. Educators will explore questions encountered in classrooms, such as: Why is Serhii withdrawing? Why is Yuliia losing focus, arguing, or refusing to come to school? This training equips school staff with practical, trauma-informed strategies to support learning, foster belonging, and respond with confidence and care.
In the midst of profound disruption, skilled and compassionate school staff can make a lasting difference.
PAST EVENTS
2025
This employment workshop included a Ukrainian-speaking immigration consultant. Valuable information was shared in a space where questions could be asked and clarified. We are so grateful to Kelowna Community Resources for organizing the event and providing the space! Participants left saying that the workshop equipped them with important information for job seeking and for achieving permanent residency in Canada.
Employment workshop
Okanagan 4 Ukraine was pleased to have a table at the Ponderosa Fibre Arts market that brought together crafters and visitors in festive event. Market-goers took time to learn about the organization and the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. We shared our charitable purpose and how we support Ukrainians in the Kelowna area and in Ukraine. Handcrafted items were sold in support of the organization’s humanitarian programs.
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our table, shared words of encouragement, and expressed genuine compassion for the people of Ukraine.
Annual artisan sale
About 60 community members from diverse churches and backgrounds joined for an afternoon of conversation and learning. Over bowls of borscht, Rev. Dr. Damien Lee spoke movingly about the courage of Ukraine’s pastors and believers who support devastated communities. Attendees left encouraged to stay engaged and act in solidarity with Ukrainians. The event strengthened Okanagan 4 Ukraine’s vision of uniting faith and action across denominations and inspiring solidarity between Kelowna and Ukraine’s faith communities.
Borscht with a bun
Clergy gathered to hear Rev. Dr. Damien Lee of The Alliance Canada share insights from his time with pastors and chaplains in war-torn Ukraine. Through photos and stories, he described how church leaders continue to serve their people on the front lines—offering food, shelter, and the hope. Clergy reflected on what role Kelowna churches might play, affirming that local congregations have a vital part in helping the Ukrainian church to endure and rebuild. The session concluded with a shared commitment to explore opportunities for collaboration, beginning with a mapping project to capture what is already happening for Ukraine among the faith community.
Clergy lunch
Gene Krupa completed four Swims for Ukraine, raising funds that will be directed to programs mitigating war-related trauma among Ukrainians in both the Okanagan and Ukraine.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported the fundraiser. Your contributions translate into healing and wellness for individuals who have endured so much. Because of you, real lives will be touched and strengthened.
Swim for Ukraine
Visitors came to our booth to learn about Ukraine and try on Ukrainian clothing for photos. We celebrated Canada and the joy of living in peace and freedom, while holding the urgent need to stand with Ukraine in its fight for the same right to live in peace, freedom, and security. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers, who welcomed guests and shared insights about our work in the local community.
Canada Day 2025
On June 14, we hosted a tour with a Ukrainian themed garden celebrating the deep connections between Canadian and Ukrainian gardening traditions. A cozy photobooth invited guests to step into Ukrainian culture with traditional hustkas (headscarves), a copy of Kobzar by Taras Shevchenko, and an elegant tea set. Stefania Miroshnichenko shared her breathtaking Petrykivka paintings, and guests were treated to a live painting demonstration. Over 500 people visited! We were grateful to host so many community members and share Ukrainian traditions and history with them.
Kelowna garden tour
In April, we shared with you the words, crafts, songs, and tastes of Ukraine at NITEO's joyful Stories from Around the World event.
Stories around the world
In March, we gathered to celebrate our volunteers! Over a barbeque, we discussed 2025. Everyone offered commitment and creative ideas, which the Board and Advisors can now take into account. Thank you, volunteers, for your skill, efforts, and compassion! If you're reading this and are interested in joining in, please be in touch!
Volunteer appreciation
Over 100 people joined us for breakfast, presentation, and discussion, focussed was on how Russia's genocidal war is impacting the church. We shared information on the invader's targeted, strategic attack of the Evangelical church in Ukraine with the clear goal to eliminate this expression of the faith, based on its perceived link to the West. We took considered what we can do to contribute to active solutions for those suffering in Ukraine.
Trinity 60+ gathering
2024
Through the Dormition of Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Grace Lutheran Church West Kelowna (host of the Ukrainian First Baptist Church), kits were delivered to families to celebrate the season by building gingerbread houses.
Gingerbread houses
The Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce hosted this event on December 3, 2024 in Toronto.
Okanagan 4 Ukraine took forward information from the business sector in Kelowna (thanks to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission) on agriculture, wine-making, aerospace, and more. We met with potential partners and learned about what Ukrainian needs and how the Okanagan Valley can help.
Rebuild Ukraine business conference
This event, hosted by the Okanagan Regional Library on November 30, 2024, brought stories and storytellers from around the world to bring delight to all ages.Okanagan 4 Ukraine's held a session with stories, crafts, and music.
Storytelling festival
This event, hosted by the Okanagan Regional Library on November 30, 2024, brought stories and storytellers from around the world to bring delight to all ages.Okanagan 4 Ukraine's held a session with stories, crafts, and music.
Touch of Christmas craft fair
November 16, 2024. High quality fibre arts were on sale for the holiday season, with unique spinnings, weavings, felting, crochet, knitting and more. Okanagan 4 Ukraine was present, along with Cool Arts Society and many guest artists. All purchases raised funds for the work supporting Ukrainian newcomers in the Okanagan and those enduring the war in Ukraine.
Ponderosa Fibre Arts Guild annual sale
November 16, 2024. High quality fibre arts were on sale for the holiday season, with unique spinnings, weavings, felting, crochet, knitting and more. Okanagan 4 Ukraine was present, along with Cool Arts Society and many guest artists. All purchases raised funds for the work supporting Ukrainian newcomers in the Okanagan and those enduring the war in Ukraine.
Breakfast for healing
It's a wrap! Gene Krupa completed his swims across Okanagan lakes this summer, raising $3,000 for mental health care and trauma recovery for Ukrainians in Canada and in Ukraine.
Thank you to all our generous supporters who donated and cheered Gene on! We look forward to providing information about how these funds are supporting the recovery of Ukrainians.
Swimming for trauma recovery
Kelowna Stands With Ukraine and Okanagan 4 Ukraine hosted a special event celebrating the freedom, democracy, and courage of Ukrainians on this, the third Independence Day since Ukraine was invaded by Russia. This was an opportunity to not only commemorate the ongoing resilience of Ukrainians, but to build community among Ukrainians and Canadians, meet our new neighbours, learn about the experiences of displaced Ukrainians, celebrate with dance, dance, and food, and enjoy sports and children’s games.
Thanks to all of you who came on such a rainy day to celebrate with us. We appreciate your participation!
Ukrainian independence day 2024
For a child, books are a portal into wider worlds and a place where important memories are built. Okanagan 4 Ukraine has helped to fill library shelves with Ukrainian children's books.
"We are honoured to support this initiative, which not only enriches our library’s collection but also strengthens our commitment to serving all members of our diverse communities," said Danielle Hubbard, CEO of Okanagan Regional Library. "The addition of Ukrainian children’s literature is a significant milestone in fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity within our library system.
Library book launch
Families, couples, and children gathered for relaxation, fun, and building community at beaches in the Kelowna area.
This was with the generous support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Foundation.
2024 Ukrainian family beach days
At our summer tea fundraiser we had an arts and crafts display, a chance to meet the artists, a floral display from the gardens of community members; a silent auction; tea and treats, and a chance to view the beautiful church, its gardens, and the historic cemetery.
Summer tea fundraiser 2024
At our Ukrainian market scene, visitors tied out traditional Ukrainian dress, had photos taken, met newcomers, and learned about the situation in Ukriane and what we can do.
Canada Day 2024
2023
In collaboration with Trinity Church, we organized a learning and prayer event for local faith communities. A presentation was given on the third front of Russia's war of agression against Ukraine, showing the systematic, targeted destruction of local churches and their leaders. During the presentation, photos of the exhibit, The Destroyed Temples of Ukraine (curated by Maidan Museum of Kyiv) were projected. This was followed by presentations about the impacts of the war on local churches, based upon information provided by more that 70 Ukrainian Catholic, Orthodox, and Evangelical leaders. Moved by this learning, we turned to prayer to support churches in Ukraine.
Prayer for Ukraine
Working with tax experts, we invited Ukrainians new to the Canadian tax system to ask their questiosn and receive support in submitting their 2023 taxes. The two events were a success and this is something we will repeat for the 2024 tax season!
Tax clinics
Together with the the Maple Hope Foundation, the Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Society, and Kelowna Stands with Ukraine, we hosted the Gerdan Choir for an amazing evening of music and song. The group comes from Chernivsti, a foremost cultural centre in Ukraine.
They shared the stories beyond their songs and brought us updates about the war in Ukraine. The event was a moving and great success.
Gerdan choir
During the summer of 2023, we organized three family day camps at Owaissi Anglican Camp. The Anglican church genererously opened the doors to the camp to ensure newly arrived Ukrainians could enjoy a day of activities, water sports, a BBQ, and general fun and games.
The three events (June, July and August) were well attended and camp staff, under the direction of Ian Dixon, did a remarkable job hosting participants. We will provide family day camps in 2024. See "upcoming events," above for information.