Ukrainian Heritage Month – September 2026
The month of September has been proclaimed in Canada as Ukrainian Heritage Month. This year, we celebrate the 135th anniversary of the beginning of mass Ukrainian immigration to Canada — an important chapter in the shared history of Ukraine and Canada. Ukrainian heritage has become an integral part of Canada’s cultural fabric, with its language, songs, art, customs, and traditions continuing to live on through generations of Ukrainians and their families. This day is an opportunity not only to remember our past, but also to celebrate together how Ukrainian culture is preserved, continues to evolve, and has found a new home far from Ukraine.
And what would Ukrainian culture be without Ukrainian cuisine? Join us for a taste of homemade varenyky — filled with potatoes and cheese, and a second variety with cherries — along with Ukrainian side dishes, dessert and beverage options – and learn something new over lunch about the history, traditions, and unique features of Ukrainian food. After lunch, it’s time to put down the forks, get up from the table, and join in traditional Ukrainian dances and fun folk games!
Come celebrate Ukrainian heritage together!
Seating limited to 100 guests. Admission is free – donations always appreciated!
** 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”.