Hundreds of members of Calgary’s Ukrainian neighborhood are wanting ahead to a brand new spherical of assist for individuals who’ve arrived within the metropolis after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
Performers and organizers are making ready for the 2023 version of the annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival on the primary weekend in June.
“The theme this year is bringing the Ukrainian community together,” competition organizer Jordan Biss mentioned.
That’s particularly essential for folks like Natalia Hinda, who arrived in Calgary in January 2023, abandoning the conflict in Ukraine.
“I heard the noise of the bombs,” Hinda mentioned. “It’s very stressful.”
The folks concerned in placing on the competition are doing every part they’ll to assist latest arrivals from Ukraine.
“To provide a sense of community and unity, and a little sense of home for those folks in such a terrible time,” Biss mentioned. “It’s really an open door, to try and involve new Ukrainians as much as possible — to get children dancing, engaged in sports or activities outside the home, opportunities for the parents, networking opportunities and new friends.”
The Calgary Ukrainian Festival occurs on Saturday and Sunday on the Acadia Recreation Centre within the metropolis’s southeast.
“It’s very important for all Ukrainians,” Hinda mentioned. “(It’s) a very good opportunity for us to share Ukrainian culture and traditions.”
Biss is hoping the occasion will convey new hope for many individuals.
“It proves and shows that there’s a large and very proud Ukrainian community in Calgary.”
