The September Social: Food, Fun & Culture Event in New Hamburg

A couple of days ago, a mosaic of yellow, blue, white, and red colours was seen in the sky above New Hamburg. It was the tricky wind playing with balloons, which it slyly stole from the Canadian-Ukrainian Unity event, organized by Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis with the support of GGFI Law, Allan Beach Roofing, Demtool, LOZA Immigration Support, and GMG Group.

But the wind did not manage to steal the sunny mood, the joy of meeting, and the warm hugs of friends who came to the event. So much happened here – we even celebrated the birthday of Stephanie Goertz, Founder of Grassroots.

On this day, the visual image of the connection between Canadian and Ukrainian friends was embodied and born – the Unity Mural. Each person present contributed by adding a part of their colour and heart to the painting.

Traditional Ukrainian headscarves covered the heads of the beautiful visitors, carefully tied in a special way, as Ukrainian ancestors once did, Yuliia Konarieva. Unique handmade works of Ukrainian art – Petrykivka painting from Anna Bozhko, artworks from Victoria Makarova, wax crafts – gave joy to visitors, and workshops opened the secrets of how to create it all. The faces of children were decorated with amazing flowers, kittens, and cartoon characters known only to kids.

We were also inspired by stories that cover the journey of Ukrainians to Canada – from the first Ukrainian settlers in 1891 to the present fifth wave of forced immigration caused by the war that Russia started and continues today. These are the stories of Canadians with Ukrainian roots and newly arrived Ukrainians, researched as part of the “Voices Across Time” project, led by Grassroots with partial funding from the Shevchenko Foundation. The project aims to unite communities by preserving immigration experiences through stories, strengthening identity, reconnecting with previous generations, and supporting newly arrived Ukrainians.

The experience of Canadians with Ukrainian roots has become for the newly arrived Ukrainians a powerful and inspiring example of the ability to build a new life in Canada despite the trauma of displacement, despite the life left behind in the Homeland.

Those present saw the faces and had the chance to talk with people who shared stories of their Ukrainian roots – Ivan (John) Jaworsky, Herb and Irma Goertz, Ihor Lotocky, Leesa, Larysa, Lirondel Hazineh, and John Reimer – and with newly arrived Ukrainians.

For everyone who did not know or, by chance, missed our gathering, do not worry, you still have the chance to read the stories in the book “Voices Across Time.” To do this, simply write info@grassrootsresponse.ca.

A tasty and filling addition to the day was BBQ with hamburgers and hot dogs from New Hamburg Lion's Club and other treats from Ukrainian vendors – pizza, special pancakes, honey, wonderful coffee from Hutsul Coffe Factory, and a festive Birthday cake from Dave Logan. In the end, under the gentle sun, hurrying to sleep, our hands joined in a dance circle with the young Ukrainian dance group Pantery.

Interested in supporting our mission? Whether you’d like to volunteer your time or donate to this noble cause, you’re warmly welcome! Visit us at https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/donate or https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/volunteer to get involved and make a difference.

The article and photos were provided by Olena Gadomska.