Dear Editor,

In February 2022, Russia launched an illegal invasion against its neighbour Ukraine.  A month later, less than 10 Ukrainian newcomers were in our community.  Three years later, that number has grown to more than 300 in the Comox Valley and North Island.    

Early on, attempting to identify who was here was extremely unnerving, not knowing where most were living.  Once found, it was paramount to identify their needs, as all newcomers arrived with only the clothes on their backs and a suitcase.   

There is an old Ukrainian saying that gave us hope in moving forward: 鈥淭he fullness of the sea is made up of many drops of water.鈥� The residents of the Comox Valley became those drops of water. 

Some residents stepped up early because of cultural connections; some knew someone who knew someone else.  鈥淗elping out鈥� spread like ripples from a stone thrown into a pond. 

The acts of kindness were endless:

Many community members stepped up: host families welcomed newcomers, English lessons were offered, and municipal governments provided passes and meeting spaces. Churches contributed money, food, and facilities, while the Comox Valley School District opened its classrooms and hosted summer camps and adult language lessons.

Local businesses and individuals donated food, clothing vouchers, and transportation, and volunteers organized a Ukrainian song and dance fundraiser, enabling us to hire a direct-support worker. Our society established a committee to manage fund distribution, and a ceremony was held to dedicate an oak sapling from Ukraine, planted in the Comox Valley soil.

The takeaway from these acts, regardless of magnitude, is that all giving makes a difference in people鈥檚 lives.  When scaled, giving makes a huge difference.  The unexpected result is that it makes a difference in the giver, too.  Helping others provides meaning and connection with each other and within our community.  It leads us to the power of WE.

We want our community partners and Ukrainian newcomers to know that WE are still standing with you and with Ukraine.

The Board of Directors

Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society

cvukrainianculturalsociety.ca