We Stand with Ukraine
Happening Now:
Four Years of Unbreakable Ukraine
TONIGHT!
Tuesday evening February 24th, the Ukrainian community invites you to join us for a gathering to commemorate the anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
6:00–8:30 PM
The official part (open mic) begins at 6:30 PM. We will hold a moment of silence and darkness at 8:00 pm.
Genoa Building at Marina Park, Comox.
The format is an informal community gathering and potluck. If you are able, please bring a culinary dish to share.
“Our defenders give the most precious thing every day. Let us find the time to come together to honor their courage and memory. Your presence matters”.
Greetings!
With Easter approaching, we are pleased to bring to you 2 opportunities to make pysanky, led by Diane Davies!
Pysanka Class sponsored by the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society
Sunday, March 1st, 1-3 pm at the Comox Community Centre. Pre-registration required.
Come and learn the basic Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) technique.
In this afternoon class you will write at least one egg using the traditional wax resist technique.
No previous experience needed, but experienced pysanka writers are most welcome to enjoy the time with other like-minded folks and might even learn something new!
All supplies included.
Pre-registration required as the class is limited to 12 persons. Send an email to cvukrainianculturalsociety@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
This class is FREE to Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society members, $20 for non-members – cash at the door or via e-transfer.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Want to learn more?
Register for the following 4-class workshop at the Lewis Centre in Courtenay:
Up Your Easter Egg Game
In this class you will learn 4 different Ukrainian Easter Egg techniques: traditional Wax Resist, Driapanka (scratching) technique, Drop Pull Method, and Use of Paint on Wooden eggs. These are ancient techniques but translate beautifully into modern pysanka-making. All supplies included.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register at the Lewis Centre, Courtenay
Class # 17624
Mondays, March 9th-30th from 6-9 pm
$99 for 4 classes.
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!
PETITION:
A petition asking the federal government to create a unique pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainian newcomers who came to Canada through the now-expired CUAET visa program:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6866
The period to sign this petition has ended with over 47,000 signatures from across Canada! Now we wait to see when MP Yvan Baker will be able to present it to Parliament.
Notable mention:
** We have a new feature on our website! On our Resources/Business Directory page, we are listing a number of businesses – that Ukrainian newcomers have started in the Comox Valley. Take a look. There might be something there 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, 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 3 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”.