UNYF Edmonton
Every second Sunday, UNYF organizes rallies in support of Ukraine. We will continue to hold these rallies in Edmonton for as long as Russia continues its brutal invasion of Ukraine and the deliberate genocide of the Ukrainian people. One of our main goals at this time is to keep raising awareness about the horrific events unfolding in Ukraine, as it is gradually disappearing from the world news every day. We cannot and will not stay silent about it! And we encourage you to join us! Come out to our next rally, to show your support! Below you find information about our previously held rallies.
An emergency rally was held to remind Canadians and the world of the constant and non-stop terror that civilians in Ukraine face every single day. On December 29, 2023, russia massively attacked Ukraine overnight, launching 158 missiles and drones on multiple Ukrainian cities, hitting a maternity hospital, a shopping center, churches, educational institutions, residential buildings, and personal homes. None of these are military objects! This is genocide of the Ukrainian nation! Russia must be stopped and held accountable for its bloody terror, causing numerous victims daily! And the world must unite and help!
UNYF Edmonton organized a car rally in support of Ukraine, emphasizing that just because the temperature drops, our commitment to supporting and advocating for Ukraine remains unwavering. Our dedication to raising awareness about the ongoing events in Ukraine will persist, regardless of the weather! Participants covered their cars with images of war and with posters with impactful messages such as “Russia Is A Terrorist State” and “Be Brave Like Ukraine”. They also proudly displayed Ukrainian flags and stickers with national symbols, showcasing their unwavering solidarity and support.
This rally was held to remind Canadians, who constantly ask “Is there still a war there?“, that – yes, unfortunately, the terrible russian invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing, and Ukraine needs more support!
The Holodomor Remembrance Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of November each year. As such, on November 26th, UNYF held a rally and demonstration by the Holodomor monument near Edmonton City Hall, to commemorate the innocent victims of this man-made famine-genocide of 1932-33, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin’s regime. Millions of Ukrainians perished due to mass starvation caused by forced collectivization and the confiscation of grain by the Soviet authorities.
A visual demonstration was organized – tables, chairs, dishes… However, the two missing elements to complete the picture are food and the people, of course. This is how we see and remember this horrifying tragedy and genocide – innocent families that will never eat dinner together ever again…
Facts about the Holodomor as well as the current ongoing full-scale war were taped to each chair, as this gathering was also meant to remind the Canadian community and the rest of the world that the genocide of the Ukrainian nation continues decades lates, today, except through many other means. We have no right to stay silent about any of these atrocities. The world must know, the world must remember!
UNYF held a next rally dedicated to Remembrance Day, to pay tribute to all the victims of war and honour all the Ukrainian soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice or are currently fighting, in their pursuit of a free and independent Ukraine. An evening candlelight demonstration was organized. Some participants brought photos of their dearly departed loved ones. A recent UNYF project was also announced at the rally – a Memory Book, to collect stories about the fallen Ukrainian defenders. Some participants of the rally added their stories to the book that day. A short program featuring several of speeches, including those of the UNYF members, the president of UCC Edmonton – Yaroslav Broda, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Edmonton – Oleksandr Danyleiko. UNYF also continued to collect funds for the recently announced fundraiser – for the children in Ohmatdyt hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Nova Poshta held its “Longest Marathon in the World” in Kyiv on October 29th. The marathon was titled the longest, because Ukraine has been fighting for its freedom for so long, longer than any marathon in history. It’s been a true marathon of never-ending flighting for freedom and reclaiming our land. To join Ukraine, as well as many other countries around the world, UNYF organized a marathon in Edmonton, to also take part in this event.
The marathon was dedicated to honouring and supporting the courageous Ukrainian defenders, who have been protecting independent Ukraine, saving innocent lives, and fighting the Russian occupiers, for the past 9 years, and to honour the brave heroes who bring us closer to Ukraine’s victory in this brutal war.
A walk around downtown was held by UNYF to show our continuous solidarity with Ukraine, show Edmonton that Ukrainians are a united nation, and ask to continue to support Ukraine as the war rages on. Donations were also collected for an evacuaton vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A an emotional rally and demonstration was held to mark a one year anniversary of the discovery of over 400 mass graves in Izium. We cannot stop talking about such atrocities.
UNYF organized a Human Chain of Unity to show that Ukrainians all over the world are with Ukraine during these challenging times, show the people of Edmonton how united and powerful the Ukrainian community is, and remind them that the war in Ukraine still continues, and our defenders need support and assistance now more than ever. A short walk around Edmonton downtown and Walterdale bridge filled the streets with blue and yellow.
On the edge of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 26th, UNYF together with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Edmonton and the Ukrainian community of Edmonton, held a traditional thirty-kilometer bike ride through the streets of the city, and a rally in support of Ukraine to remind that 9 years ago, in February, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began, with the occupation of Crimea; and since February of last year, a full-scale war has been raging on, which we have been shouting about, for almost 1.5 years now.
A short program was first held at the Violet King Henry Plaza featuring several speakers, who demanded more help to stop Russian aggression, to release the captured Ukrainian territories and prisoners of war, and to finally recognize Russia as a terrorist state.
Then, everyone who attended the rally stood in a human chain and formed an image of the Ukrainian flag as well as Ukraine’s Coat of Arms – “tryzub”. The bike ride commenced shortly after, the route of which was formed in a such a way, that with the help of GPS tracking, the movement of the participants of the bike ride, resulted in forming an image of the tryzub on the map of Edmonton.
All of this become a symbol not only of our support for Ukrainian defenders, but also a symbol of the independence of Ukraine, the astonishing strength of the Ukrainian people, and faith in our victory!
A short walk around downtown with flags and signs was held in Edmonton to continue spreading awareness about Russia’s terrorism, war crimes, and to call for help in recognizing Russia as a terrorist state! The rally was dedicated to honouring and commemorating Ukrainian men, women, and children who have become victims of horrible Russian terrorism. We need to call Russia what it is — the world needs to finally see and recognize that Russia is a dangerous and unhinged terrorist state that destroys everything in its path! Russia must be held accountable for its bloody acts of terror!
A rally and demonstration was held to remind everyone about the horrors that Russians inflict on the captured Ukrainian soldiers. The rally was dedicated to the commemoration of the Olenivka massacre. A year ago, on July 29th, 2022, over 50 Ukrainian soldiers were brutally killed in captivity, at a detention center in the Donetsk region. These brave Ukrainian soldiers were BURNED ALIVE, after a deliberate shelling by Russians, and 130 defenders were left terribly INJURED. We honoured their memory at this rally.
UNYF held a rally and demonstration dedicated to the threat of a nuclear disaster, which became apparent ever since the invaders occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant – the largest plant in Europe.
Since March 4, 2022, Russian forces have been controlling and using the power plant to commit war crimes, covering up the shelling of neighbouring cities and storing weapons and military personnel there. Russia continues to plot terrorist attacks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to this day, endangering not only Ukraine, but many neighbouring countries. Russia brings the world to the verge of a nuclear catastrophe!
Ukraine continuously warns the world about the global consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The world has been warned again, it’s time to act NOW!
Donations were also collected at this rally, for the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In association with the International Father’s Day (June 18th), UNYF held a Father’s Day march/walk along Whyte Avenue dedicated to all the fathers in Ukraine, who have served or are still serving their country, and have shown extraordinary bravery in the fight against the occupiers and sacrificed their lives for their people.
Donations were also collected at the rally for an evacuation vehicle for one of the Ukrainian Armed Forces divisions.
Shortly after Russian terrorists blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, a rally was held in Edmonton near City Hall to condemn and scream about the biggest man-made disaster in Europe in decades! The plant was completely destroyed and is not repairable. Up to 80 settlements in Ukraine were at risk of being flooded due to the dam’s explosion. As well, this endangered the operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – largest in Europe.
Participants made and brough posters about the consequence of the attack to the rally.
A rally was held in Edmonton in association with the International Children’s Day (June 1st), dedicated to all the innocent children of Ukraine, who’ve suffered at the hands of Russians in unimaginable ways and who continue to live in fear every day – those who were killed, were seriously injured due to shelling, lost their parents, were separated from their families, raped by Russian soldiers, or illegally kidnapped and deported to Russia.
A visual demonstration wa held with candles, children’s toys, shoes, backpacks, and other items, all painted with red to symbolize the spilled blood of innocent children in Ukraine. Donations were also collected to go towards families affected by the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians of Edmonton gathered for a walk along Whyte Avenue to honour the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people (May 18-20, 1944), who were wrongfully and brutally deported and mistreated by Russians during the Soviet era. Yet another genocide committed by Russia… Even after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, Russia has continued to carry on its bloody and ruthlless legacy of ethnic cleansing of other nations.
UNYF joined the Vyshyvanka march, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) – Edmonton branch.
An emotional visual demonstration was held in Edmonton to remind everyone about the Ukrainian Defenders of Azovstal, who have been captured by the Russian invaders a year ago. Many were cruelly tormented and murdered and will never come back home to their families. Others who remain there have been and continue to be brutally tortured by the Russian forces. The courageous Mariupol defenders remain in captivity to this day, which is why we must continue to scream about it! Free Azovstal defenders! Save Ukrainians defenders!
A rally and walk along Whyte Avenue was held in Edmonton to commemorate Ukrainian soldiers who were brutally captured, tortured, and executed by Russian war criminals, as evidenced by the horrifying videos published in the recent weeks. We must never stop talking about such atrocities and must continue to remind the world what the agressor is capable of.
A demonstration was held to commemorate the vistims of the Bucha and Irpin massacre, which was discovered a year ago. The world was shaken and outraged by the images of the brutal aftermath of Russian occupation in Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel – the bodies of innocent civilians were cruelly scattered along the cities’ sidewalks and roads.
A short program, a demonstration with candles and crosses, and a moment of silence was held to honour the memory of victims of these horrific Russian crimes against humanity.
A walk for Ukraine’s unity and freedom was held in Edmonton to remind Edmontonians that the aggressor continues committing horrific war crimes in the occupied territories in Ukraine, and that Ukrainians are still bravely and stoically resisting this brutal invasion.
A human chain was formed along the Walterdale bridge, and a 20-meter long Ukrainian flag was unfolded by the participants, who later carried it along Jasper Avenue.
1 year since Russia’s devastating full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainians of Edmonton joined Ukrainians all over the world to commemorate all the victims of Russian brutality over the past year.
A visual demonstration was held – a map of Ukraine was laid out on the ground, with candles outlying its shape and outlying Ukrainian cities. Participants brought candles to place inside the map during the demonstration. A moment of silence was held to commemorate all the fallen Ukrainians who lost their lives in this war for Ukraine’s freedom.
There were several speakers at the event and a fundraiser was held gathering donations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It has been 10 months since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has been terrorizing civilians across the country non-stop. A short walk along Jasper Avenue and a rally by the Alberta Legislature building was held in Edmonton, dedicated to Ukraine’s ongoing fight for democracy, future, and freedom. It was also a call to action for Canada and its allies to continue their military and humanitarian support.
A surprise visitor also attended the rally – a well known Ukrainian singer and songwriter – YakTak – who was in town for a charity concert.
The cold doesn’t bother us anyway…
A car rally was held instead of a traditional one to remind Edmontonians that the Russia-Ukraine war is still going on and that Ukraine still needs strong support.
Participants chose one of the three starting points that’s closest to them and headed to Hawrelak Park as the final destination. A short rally was then held at the park to commemorate all the victims of the latest Russian war crimes.
This rally was held to once again remind everyone that the brutal Russian invasion in Ukraine still continues and that innocent Ukrainians are suffering every single day because of Russia’s barbaric acts of of terrorism, for which it should be recognized. It is a dangerous and unhinged state that destroys everything in its path, and it must be stopped. Not long ago, NATO Parliamentary recognized Russia as a terrorist state – Canada must also do the same. Russia must be held accountable for its bloody acts of terror!
Shortly after the discovery of new mass graves in the occupied Mariupol, Ukrainians of Edmonton held a rally to scream about yet another horrifying atrocity committed by the Russian invaders, and honour and commemorate all Ukrainian men, women, and children, who have been brutally killed and thrown into mass burials in Mariupol.
An emergency evening rally was held in Edmonton after another brutal shelling across Ukrainian cities during the day. Over 90 missiles were shot, kiling civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainians of Edmonton held a rally to remind everyone that Ukrainians continue to suffer, as Russia aims its missile and drone attacks at Ukraine’s electricity networks, causing widespread power cuts. And as the winter and cold temperatures approach, countless Ukrainian are being left without electrivity, or even water!
Participants held a visual demonstration holding signs pertaining to the theme of Russian energy terrorism, as well a Russia being a terrorist state.
Edmonton joined a national initiative that was held in multiple cities across Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Kelowna, and others) – a charity run for Ukraine!
Edmonton’s participants, some wearing “Edmonton Stands With Ukraine” shirts, ran a route with a distance of up to 5 km around Hawrelak Park, after making a donation to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Others came out to support the participants, as well as Ukrainian defenders in spirit.
Edmonton joined a global campaign dedicated to honouring heroic Ukrainian defenders and reminding the world that Ukraine is engaged in a war against the Russian aggressor and is defending not only itself, but also the Europe, Canada, US, and all democratic countries in the world, from the onslaught of the invading forces of tyranny and dictatorship.
Participants stood in a “Circle of Protection” around monuments, buildings, or recognizeable structures in their cities, as if they were protecting what is inside – a symbol of democracy, sovereignty, and liberty. In Edmonton, the participants stood around the Alberta Legislature Building, each holding a photo of our brave Ukrainian defenders.
And more!