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.
Upcoming
Past events
Swimming for trauma recorvery
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.
2024 Ukrainian family beach days
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.
Prayer for Ukraine
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. We hope to follow this with a second event that includes concrete ways we can help address some of the enormous needs experienced by the faith community in Ukraine.
2023 day camps
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.
Ukrainian Independence Day 2024 celebration
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!
Summer tea fundraiser 2024
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.
Tax clinics
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!
Immigration consultations
With the March 31, 2024 closing of access to the CUAETs visa, many newly arrived Ukrainians needed answers to pressing questions about their status in Canada. Working in collaboration with a Ukrainian speaking immigration consultant from Maple Hope Foundation, we invited participants to register for 1-hour private sessions. The event was a great success.
Library book launch
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.
Canada Day 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.
Gerdan Choir
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.
Collaborator event
Launchpad for women entrepreneurs. The YMCA of Southern Interior BC offers employment support services—specifically, for women entrepreneurs.