UNYF Edmonton
In addition to rallies in support of Ukraine, we also organize events that strive to combine the sacred traditions of the past with modern attributes of our Ukrainian culture. Together, we celebrate the diversity and beauty of our culture, preserved through generations, at every step. From charity concerts of our own creation, to bringing famous Ukrainian artists to Edmonton, to giving a platform to rising local stars, our events let the Ukrainian youth and community as a whole deepen their bonds with our heritage, and discover their passions in our community.
Take a look below at what we’ve done so far!
More to come…
UNYF Edmonton in collaboration with the Ukraine Harmony Foundation, organized another film screening in Edmonton – the film “Slovo” House.
Based on true events, this drama delves into the lives of Ukrainian writers during the era of the Executed Renaissance. In collaboration with MUR and their musical project “You’re a Romantic,” it tells the story of the “Slovo” house, where Soviet authorities gathered Ostap Vyshnia, Pavlo Tychyna, Les Kurbas, Mykola Khvylovy, Mykola Semenko, Krushelnytska, Yalovy, Sosiura, Yanovych, Johansen, and many others, compelling them to work for the benefit of the system. The film reveals how the communist paradise transforms into a true hell of repression, executions, lost dreams and lives. Yet, we will always remember not only their talented works but also their tragic fates.
UNYF Edmonton held its annual charity concert “National Code”.
The night was filled with numerous unique performances. Attendees were also able to participate in various art workshops and find something new from Ukrainian products from the best local Ukrainian vendors.
There was also a charity auction and raffle held, which helped raise additional funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
UNYF Edmonton organized a charity concert “Strong When United” that was full of energy and unity!
There was an energizing performance by the Ukrainian rock band “Mriya” @mriyaband together with participating children, a surprise band, and a contemporary dance group “REspond”.
Attendees were also able to participate in painting their dreams on a Ukrainian canvas and find something new from Ukrainian products from the best local Ukrainian vendors.
There was also a charity auction and raffle held, which helped raise $4,250 for the purchase of a Mavic 3T drone for the 115th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
UNYF Edmonton in collaboration with the Ukraine Harmony Foundation, organized another film screening in Edmonton – the film “Rocky Road to Berlin” based on the novel by Kuzma Skryabin!
The story centers on the adventures of a Ukrainian novice musician Kuzma and his friend Bard, who set out on their trip to Berlin in a rusty “Pobeda” car. Kuzma wants to exchange his old car for a “Mercedes 600” with a German collector to impress Barbara, the girl he is in love with. But the hectic nightlife of the German capital involves the hero in stunning adventures that change his purpose, harden his character, and help him find his true self.
On March 16, 2024, the second anniversary of the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theatre and the 10th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Crimea by russia, several Ukrainian organizations of Edmonton joined efforts to commemorate these two sad dates by recreating the letters “DETY” (meaning children in russian) and screening a documentary about russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children.
On March 16, 2022, russian terrorists bombed the drama theatre in Mariupol and killed over a thousand people, including hundreds of children. The theatre had “DETY” written on the pavement in front of the theatre, meaning “kids” in Russian. The world Ukrainian congress asked Ukrainians to write DETY across the world today. “DE” and “THANK YOU” separated in Ukrainian means “Where are you?” (ДЕ ТИ?)
UNYF Edmonton, in collaboration with CYM Edmonton, League of Ukrainian Canadian Women, League of Ukrainian Canadians, and Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council, organized a screening of a documentary film “Uprooted”, presented by the Kyiv Independent, which sheds light on the violent deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, one of the occupiers’ most heinous war crimes.
To experience occupation and involuntarily find oneself on the territory of Russia is one of the greatest horrors that Ukrainian children are currently facing. During over two years of the full-scale invasion, Russia illegally deported at least 19,546 Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to its own territory. In Russia, they are illegally “adopted,” subjected to psychological and physical violence, deprived of contact with their country and family, and taught to hate Ukraine. These are 19,546 maimed, traumatized children, and torn-apart or killed families. This is another attempt by the enemy to enslave and erase our future generations.
The guest speakers at the event were the Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton Oleksandr Danyleyko and the Head of the North American news desk of the Kyiv Independent, Olena Goncharova.
The event raised over $1,200 CAD to be donated to the Save Ukraine foundation to support their efforts in returning Ukrainian children who were abducted by russia.
UNYF Edmonton organized its own traditional Malanka with the brilliant Ukrainian drama theatre “Suzirya”! An amazing performance was held, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of Ukraine. And all proceeds (net of expenses to put on the show) raised, which is just over $500, went towards the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
In collaboration with Kazka Entertainment, UNYF organized a fundraising concert featuring Maryna Krut, a famous Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and bandura player who is known for her breathtaking performances, and who’s announced her First Canadian Tour. This breathtaking concert in Edmonton has helped raise $3,800 CAD for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the charity action alone!
Our collaborations continue to gain momentum, and now together with Film Hive (@filmhivehq), and in collaboration with Ukraine Harmony Foundation, UNYF Edmonton screened another cool Ukrainian film in Edmonton’s Metro Cinema – “My Carpathian Grandpa”.
This is a warm comedy by director Zaza Buadze, about the relationship between grandpa and grandson that turns into a battle of two generations, but in the end, both will learn about the great importance of family. The foreign grandson against the Carpathian grandfather – a comedy and the life of every Ukrainian family.
After the film, the audience had a chance to ask the main actor and People’s Artist of Ukraine – Bohdan Benyuk – questions about the film’s production. As well, local Ukrainian businesses such as Artspacesol, Dodo Socks, and Lumus Candles got a chance to sell their unique and handmade products after the film, while we collected donations to put towards our next fundraiser for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
UNYF organized a private screening of a Ukrainian Christmas cartoon “Christmas at the Cattle Hill” in Edmonton at Metro Cinema, in collaboration with Ukraine Harmony Foundation. Part of the event’s proceeds were directed towards purchasing gifts for children who have temporarily lost their homes in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
After the movie, children had a wonderful opportunity to capture moments with individuals dressed as goats, embodying the Ukrainian symbol that resonates with the film’s themes. It provided a delightful and memorable experience for the young audience, adding a touch of charm and cultural significance to their post-movie activities.
In collaboration with Atlas Entertainment, UNYF organized a fundraising concert from Stepan Petrovich Giga in Edmonton, a Ukrainian pop singer (tenor), composer, and People’s Artist of Ukraine (2002). A charity auction was held at the concert, which raised $1,200 CAD for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In collaboration with Atlas Entertainment, UNYF organized a fundraising concert from Druga Rika in Edmonton, a Ukrainian rock band from Zhytomyr. A charity auction was held at the concert, which raised $3,500 CAD for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
UNYF organized a private screening of a 2023 Ukrainian film “Dovbush” in Edmonton at Metro Cinema, in collaboration with Ukraine Harmony Foundation. After the film, the audience had a chance to ask the main actor questions about the film’s production. As well, Artspacesol and Ethno Market got a chance to sell their unique Ukrainian products after the film, while UNYF collected donations to put towards the purchase of a military evacuation vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
UNYF gave the platform to “Mriya”, our rising local star – a recently created Ukrainian pop rock cover band in Canada. A charity concert was organized in Edmonton with the help and support of UNYF, where all proceeds collected ($5,300 CAD) were transferred to the Come Back Alive Foundation in Ukraine, a charity organization that helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as a portion to a chidlren’s charity organization.
UNYF organized a private screening of a 2022 Ukrainian comedy film “Luxembourg, Luxembourg” in Edmonton at Metro Cinema, in collaboration with the Ukraine Harmony Foundation. The film recently premiered at the Horizons section of the 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. A Q&A session was also held between one of the actors and the audience.
UNYF, in collaboration with Kazka Entertainment, organized a fundraising concert of Probass Hardi in Edmonton, a Ukrainian folk and electronic music duo, most known for its “Good evening, we are from Ukraine” track. A charity auction was also held at the concert and all funds raised (almost $5,000 from the auction alone) went towards the fundraiser for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together to the victory!
UNYF organized a private screening of a Ukrainian animated film “Mavka: The Forest Song” in Edmonton at Metro Cinema, in collaboration with the Ukraine Harmony Foundation.
UNYF proudly presented its very first “National Code” or “Spirit of a Nation” concert, a tribute to the profound cultural significance of traditional Ukrainian Vyshyvanka and embroidery. These cherished artifacts serve as our distinctive national code and a form of spiritual armor. The concert was a heartfelt dedication to celebrating Ukrainian embroidery in its various forms, offering a profound appreciation for its uniqueness, emphasizing the profound meanings it carries, and honouring the enduring Ukrainian traditions which have been passed down from one generation to the next.
The event encompassed a diverse range of activities, including innovative art workshops, an interactive photo zone, several captivating concert performances, a charitable auction featuring a variety of unique items, and a host of engaging contests and games. All funds collected (almost $3,000) went towards the life-saving aid for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Charity concert from Kozak Siromaha in Edmonton, a real Ukrainian kozak who performs his compositions in an authentic kozak style, and the only Ukrainian kozak who plays the harmonium, a unique instrument that is not typical for Ukraine. All funds raised at the concert ($6,020) went towards the fundraiser for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together to the victory!
UNYF, in collaboration with the Ukrainian National Federation and Ukrainian Women’s Organization, and with support of the Kule Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta, organized a film screening of a Ukrainian film “Carol of the Bells” (or Shchedryk). The event was a fundraiser for Ukraine, where all donations collected ($3,300 CAD) went to the Union of TV and Film Industry Entrepreneurs, an organization that fundraises to provide vehicles to the frontline in Ukraine.
UNYF, in collaboration with Kazka Entertainment, organized a fundraising concert in Edmonton featuring Oleh Skrypka, a Ukrainian musician and vocalist. A charity auction was also held at the concert and all funds raised ($3,200 CAD) went towards the Second Front Ukraine Foundation, an officially registered Canadian not-for-profit corporation, who works with its trusted partners across North America and in Ukraine to deliver goods necessary to protect the lives of Ukrainians in the face of Russian aggression.
Presented by the Ukrainian Drama theatre in Edmonton “Suzirya” and organized by the UNYF. Funds were raised at the event for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Charity concert of Orest Lyutyi (Anton Mukharsky) – a well known Ukrainian actor, TV presenter, singer, and songwriter – in Edmonton.
Charity comedy show from VIP Ternopil – one of the most known comedians in Ukraine – in Edmonton during their Canada tour. Over $10,300 CAD of funds collected at the event went towards the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Presented by the Ukrainian Drama theatre in Edmonton “Suzirya” and organized by the UNYF. Contemporary Ukrainian dance group “Vechornytsy” also performed at the event. Funds raised at the event went towards the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
And more!