Kelowna Hosts Ukrainian Food Fundraiser to Support Refugees

The advocacy group Kelowna Stands With Ukraine is set to host its third annual food buffet on December 19, 2023, from 18:00 to 21:00 at the First Baptist Church. This fundraiser aims to support displaced Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict in their home country.

Catering for the event will feature authentic Ukrainian dishes prepared by chefs who relocated to Kelowna to escape the war. Attendees can enjoy a variety of traditional foods, alongside local and Ukrainian music, with art displayed for sale. Tickets can be purchased through the Kelowna Stands With Ukraine Facebook group or through direct messaging to reserve a spot. Denys Storozhuk, a member of the organizing group, urged potential guests to secure their tickets quickly, as the event is expected to sell out.

Proceeds from the buffet will provide humanitarian supplies for Ukrainians both in Canada and those still residing in Ukraine. Additionally, the event will incorporate a toy drive, allowing guests to bring gifts for displaced Ukrainian children currently living in Canada.

Impact of the Ongoing Conflict

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, Canada has welcomed almost 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Kelowna has emerged as a refuge for many fleeing the conflict.

Storozhuk noted that his group has aided hundreds of Ukrainians in settling in the Okanagan, promoting the city as a welcoming place with a climate similar to Ukraine. He mentioned that the group was particularly active during the initial outbreak of the war in 2022, but engagement has varied since then.

“For a couple of years, newcomers were focused on settling in—finding jobs, enrolling their children in school, and securing accommodation,” he explained. “Now, they are starting to breathe again.” Storozhuk emphasized that more Ukrainians in Kelowna are eager to participate in community events, making the upcoming buffet a significant occasion after a prolonged hiatus.

Shaman Gelblum, another member of Kelowna Stands With Ukraine, expressed that the group is shifting its focus towards the future, which he referred to as “the next day.” He remains optimistic that the war will conclude, stating, “It can’t be forever.”

As the conflict continues, Gelblum highlighted the need for ongoing support for Ukrainian civilians and newcomers in Canada. He anticipates a mixed response once the war ends, with some Ukrainians wishing to remain in Canada while others may want to return home.

Challenges Ahead for Ukrainian Newcomers

While the CUAET program has extended applications for new work permits until March 31, 2026, many Ukrainians still face uncertainty regarding permanent residency. Storozhuk explained that his group, along with other Ukrainian advocacy organizations across Canada, is advocating for the federal government to create a pathway to permanent residency.

On December 17, 2023, this issue garnered national attention when the Ukrainian Canadian Congress called on the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to take action during a press conference in Ottawa.

Despite the efforts to establish a stable life in Canada, many newcomers continue to feel anxious. “All of them are uneasy,” Storozhuk remarked, attributing this to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He noted, “It’s a stress that they don’t know whether they will be accepted in Canada for the long term.”

The buffet on December 19 will provide an opportunity for Storozhuk to discuss these pressing concerns while also fostering community spirit among Ukrainians in Kelowna.