Our collaborative network
When we talk about our collaborative network, we use the image of a sash with Ukrainian embroidery, encircling a bouquet of Okanagan flowers—symbolizing how we come together across countries, experiences, sectors, and many organizations to work together towards thriving.
We’ve are developing of a collection of children’s and youth’s literature in Ukrainian. We hope to expand this collection and add an adult shelf to the library soon, too!
We’ve become members and have participated in inception meetings to provide newcomer Ukrainians with an introduction to the chamber; find ways to engage them in chamber organized job fairs; and implement a Business Forum to support local business participation in Rebuild Ukraine.
We are members of and are working closely with CUCC to support their good efforts in implementing business roadshows for Rebuild Ukraine. We hope to co-host such an event with them in Kelowna.
We have collaborated to bring music from Ukraine to Kelowna with good success (the Gerdan Choir from Chernivtsi, Ukraine). On July 1, 2024, we will work together again on a culturally relevant booth at Kelowna’s Canada Day event.
We are convinced that professional evaluation is critical to non-governmental, non-profit work. We want Okanagan 4 Ukraine to measure impacts from the start, including social return on investment. We are working closely with Catalyst for this.
We have joined forces to support the employment needs of Ukrainians who are interested in aligning their jobs more closely to their education and skills (e.g., to move away from under-employment). And we are in the process of expanding access to conversational English classes for newcomer Ukrainians.
We are grateful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Foundation for their generous funding of our family beach days, showing their commitment to wellness and opportunities for Ukrainian families who are making their homes in the Okanagan.
We’ve worked together to provide settlement services, joint cultural fundraising events, and psychological support for Ukrainians who have fled the war. And we have plans to keep working together as we go forward!
Hands In Service supports those in Kelowna with mobility and health challenges, and facing socio-economic, food security, and cleaning needs. Their relational and creative approach caught our attention. We are happy collaborate with them, as we all keep our neighbours, in need of compassionate support, in the centre of all that we do.