Ukrainian Event Organizer Fosters Community Amid War and Displacement
Written by Brooklyn Leschyshyn
Stanislav Volodymyrovych, 27, a Ukrainian from the Dnipropetrovsk region, found himself in Edmonton in December 2022 after the war in Ukraine drove him from his homeland.
“A year after the war began, I started organizing parties for Ukrainians in Edmonton,” said Volodymyrovych.
He has been organizing events for Ukrainians in Edmonton since March 2023, blending his past experiences as a bartender, bar manager, and event organizer with his passion for bringing people together.
“At first, between 50 to 150 people attended. These events helped bring guests together,” he said.
The events have proven more than just an escape for Ukrainians.
He added that at least two couples have met and married from the parties.
“Many people have found friends and acquaintances, which significantly eases adaptation, especially for those who left the country due to the war and have a poor command of English,” said Volodymyrovych.
Since the start of these gatherings, the community has raised $22,000 CAD to support Ukrainian military efforts and cultural projects.
“Our main goal is to help Ukrainians feel at home in Canada while not forgetting about the war in their homeland and to unite people around Ukraine,” he said.
Volodymyrovych’s journey to Canada was challenging.
“When I flew to Canada and stepped out of the airport on a Sunday night in -40 degrees Celsius, my first question was, ‘Stanislav, what are you doing here?'” he said.
But over time, his perspective shifted.
“I love the freedom of choice, the opportunity for self-realization,” said Volodymyrovych.
Despite his smooth transition, Volodymyrovych noted that others face significant hurdles.
“Many Ukrainians want to start businesses, but there is no certainty in obtaining Canadian documents after their work permits expire,” he said.
For Volodymyrovych, preserving Ukrainian culture in Canada is essential.
“When I arrived in Canada, I was amazed at how well Ukrainian culture is preserved here,”
“It feels like there hasn’t been any influence from Russian culture on the Ukrainian one here,” he said.
He’s particularly invested in promoting modern Ukrainian culture, which he believes is evolving in art, fashion, and cuisine.
Among the standout moments for Stanislav and his team was a charity soccer match between Ukrainians from Edmonton and Calgary, which raised over $7,000 CAD last year, with plans to double that in 2025.
On the horizon for Volodymyrovych is a business networking event for the Ukrainian community, scheduled for Nov. 5, to foster connections and collaboration.
Volodymyrovych’s ambition doesn’t stop there; he hopes to expand his events across Canada while maintaining their core focus: uniting Ukrainians and supporting the homeland.
