By Eugene Hrushowy
Special to Black Press
Building on the success of performances in the Okanagan Valley, the Tryzub Youth Ukrainian Dance Troupe has been invited to work with the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society (CVUCS) and the Ukrainian Nightingale Project to raise money in support of Ukrainian families in the North Island.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, CVUCS has been supporting Ukrainian newcomers in host families, ensuring food security, assisting with medical and dental expenses, conversational English classes, job searches, accessing child care and setting up first homes. The lion’s share of this support is achieved through the efforts of a small army of much-appreciated volunteers. Presently 184 individuals in 62 families are residing in both the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
Tryzub, which is out of Calgary, has provided access to the community and a vital social network for approximately 250 families from Ukraine, offering children from Ukraine free access to summer camps and Ukrainian dance classes.
The Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society established the Tryzub Newcomer (CUAET) Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program will support 50 dancers for two years. If funding objectives are exceeded, they will accommodate up to 100 children. Tryzub provides instant access to a vital social network and a community of like-minded people sharing their passion and love of Ukraine and Ukrainian culture. In addition, it also provides a safe haven for children to interact mixing Ukrainian-speaking children with English-speaking children, taught by Ukrainian-Canadian bilingual instructors.
The Tryzub youth dancers hold their mother country close to their hearts and their experiences with Tryzub allow them to feel a cultural connection, despite being thousands of miles from their homeland.
“As a Ukrainian, I feel that I’ve made a commitment to keep the culture alive and keep performing for those who aren’t able to dance anymore,” said Karissa MacDonald. “Every day when I see what’s happening in Ukraine it’s like a heavy weight on my heart. However, I know that if I keep the culture alive Ukraine will never die.”
“I can confidently say that I am helping the country (Ukraine) that holds my heart,” said Maya Barnes. “Our family has a lot of friends and some distant relatives in Ukraine who have been directly affected and some who have even lost their lives fighting.”
“I have family in Ukraine and it’s hard to think about how they must feel and how their lives have been turned upside-down,” echoed Ethan Stadnyk. “Now there is this unique chance to help make a difference and to me, it is worth the whole trip alone.”
“Having this fundraiser gives us immense hope for the lives of the Ukrainian army and citizens. It shows how many people are supporting Ukrainian heritage and community,” added Rachel Lyzaniwski. “To be a part of this project (on Northern Vancouver Island) is extremely valuable to our cultural identity and gives us hope and strength to continue this fight.”
Ukrainian newcomers in the North Island still need generous assistance from the community in the form of volunteers, donations of merchandise or dollars. Two fundraising concerts, Still Standing With Ukraine have been scheduled for the Comox Valley on Sept. 21 at the Sid Williams Theatre and in Campbell River on Sept. 23 at the Tidemark Theatre. The CV Ukrainian Cultural Society has partnered with the Ukraine Nightingale Project to feature the Calgary-based Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Troupe for this event. For more information about how to help and for tickets to an evening of high-energy, talented entertainment, visit:
https://cvukrainianculturalsociety.ca
https://ukrainenightingaleproject.ca
https://www.tryzub.ca