We Stand with Ukraine
Vyshyvanka Day Open House 2026 in the Comox Valley took place on Sunday, May 24 in the CV Presbyterian Church Hall. Ukrainian Food Cafe, Vendors, Choir Performance, Fashion Shows, Vyshyvka Displays, Community Tablecloth, Craft Workshops, and Photo Zone enjoyed by close to 150 attendees. This was also a fundraiser for 4 humanitarian efforts in Ukraine that we have chosen to support. We are ever so grateful that, with our Comox Valley community’s support, we have been able to donate funds to the following:
- Canadian Support Ukraine Foundation $511.00
- Treba Yeesti $488.00
- Shveina Rota Canada $452.00
- Village of Bolekhiv $439.00
Malanka 2026 was a huge success! 240 guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment, culinary delights, and dancing! Thank you to the Veselka Dancers of Victoria and the Nezlamna Choir and Church Choir for the cultural program. Thank you all for your support!
** We have a fairly-new feature on our website! On our Resources/Business Directory page, we are listing a number of businesses – that recently-arrived Ukrainians have started in the Comox Valley. Take a look. There might be something you are looking for!
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With Our Sincere Appreciation and Much Gratitude
Over the past several years, countless individuals, businesses, community organizations and church congregations have supported our efforts to assist Ukrainian newcomers as they arrived and settled in the Valley. Three local businesses have been long-time supporters. In June 2025, Board Treasurer Donna Baydock, our Retailer/Fundraiser Len Paulovich along with President Janette Martin-Lutzer, presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following:
Cumberland Village Bakery – For over a decade, Owner Dave has provided the use of his facilities for our members and volunteers to hand-make perogies for sale to the public, as well as for the various dinners/banquets we have hosted. This has been a substantial fundraiser for our Society and we thank Dave and his staff (special shout-out to Nathan) for their support!
Brazen Sportswear/Hitec Screen Printing – Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine over 4 years ago, we have been selling t-shirts (2 different designs) to fundraise as well as to bring awareness of the war to our larger Comox Valley community. Heather and her staff at Brazen/Hitec have been supportive in many different ways and we appreciate their ongoing collaboration with us.
Hot Chocolates – We are very grateful to general manager Michele and her staff for providing us with a space (freezer) in their store to stock our frozen Ukrainian food (when available) for sale to the public. Hot Chocolates/Cakebread Artisan Bakery has also employed several Ukrainian newcomers. Here are Donna, Michele, and Len standing in front of the freezer.
We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we gather for our activities is the unceded traditional territory of the K’omoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this place referred to as “the land of plenty”.