For children from the Ukrainian Guest House on Tannery Street, this Halloween marks a new and exciting chapter in their Canadian journey. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the local Cambridge community, these young newcomers are experiencing the thrill and joy of Halloween for the very first time.
A Celebration that Started with a Harvest
In preparation for Halloween, the children and their families recently visited a local farm to pick pumpkins with the support of volunteers from Grassroots Response. The outing wasn’t just about the pumpkins—it was a chance for the children to experience the beauty of fall in Canada, enjoying the brisk air, vibrant leaves, and the welcoming atmosphere of the Cambridge countryside. The pumpkins they carefully selected would soon be transformed into spooky jack-o'-lanterns and festive decorations, with each child’s creativity on full display.
Back at the Guest House, the children eagerly carved their pumpkins, delighted to add their own spooky creations to the festive decor. Volunteers guided the children in making costumes, sharing the traditions of Canadian Halloween while letting each child’s imagination shine.
The Warmth of the Local Community
Stephanie Goertz, founder of Grassroots Response, noted, “Halloween has become a wonderful way for these young newcomers to connect with the local community and to learn about a fun Canadian tradition. We’re beyond grateful to the volunteers and neighbors for their kindness and support.”
The Halloween preparations have drawn in neighbors and volunteers who contributed everything from costumes to candy, and most importantly, their time. These efforts mean the world to the children, who now eagerly await October 31. It’s a chance for them to dress up, explore their neighborhood, and experience the iconic "trick-or-treat" tradition.
A Community Ready to Celebrate Together
As Halloween night approaches, the Ukrainian Guest House children can hardly contain their excitement. They invite their Cambridge neighbors to join them in making this holiday unforgettable. Together with the community, these children will experience the fun, laughter, and sense of belonging that comes with a true Canadian Halloween.
This celebration is more than costumes and candy—it’s a testament to the warmth and resilience of Cambridge’s community, and the incredible power of shared traditions to bring people together across cultures.
UPD. The news hit the press on the eve of the holiday. The Waterloo Region Record reporter came to the Cambridge Guest House to interview children and parents from Ukraine. “We understand that the war will continue for decades. But that doesn’t mean we’re putting our children’s lives on hold,” says Natalia Semenenko. She also invited the press to our fundraising event, which will take place on November 15 at Hespeler Baptist Church. Join us also!
Comments