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Blue and yellow, unity and Ukrainian traditions filled K.R. Barkman Park on Sunday afternoon.
While Ukrainian Independence Day was on August 24, the Ukrainian community in Steinbach and its supporters commemorated it three days later. The celebration was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Southeast Manitoba, which was formed in April 2023.
Daryna Malyukh is the president of the Ukrainian Association of Southeast Manitoba and says it’s the first time Steinbach has celebrated the day. She adds more than 150 Ukrainian families have moved to the area, and she is “amazed” by the crowd that showed up.
“We have so many guests and speakers, and it really went well,” Malyukh explains. “In the times of war, it's hard to celebrate. But we want to show that yes, it's war in Ukraine, and we totally stay for freedom, for independence, and we will protect Ukraine no matter where we are,” Malyukh says.
The day began with a Ukrainian concert, which was a blend of musical performances and speeches.
“We invited Vlada and Veronica, two sisters that were leading concert program. They actually moved to Canada just a few months ago, also escaping war,” she shares.
The sisters emceed, performed and provided translations in Ukrainian and English. Aside from Vlada and Veronica, the association invited community members through a local Facebook page to perform during the program.
“Ukrainians, as you know, they're very talented. So, it didn't take as much time to find them,” she says.
In addition to the program, they had a potluck, children’s craft corner, silent auction and local vendors selling handmade Ukrainian items.
Malyukh thanks the local community for the continued support in “difficult times.”
“It's hard to know each person's name because I know so many Canadians are involved, and not only Canadians and other nationalities who are here in Steinbach or in the southeast. So, I want to say big thank you to all those people. I want to say thank you to all sponsors and for everyone who participated. Without people and without sponsors, we couldn't do this,” she shares.
To support Ukrainian families in Steinbach and surrounding communities, Malyukh says you can contact her and the Ukrainian Association of Southeast Manitoba through Facebook.
Families are still coming, it's still huge,” she explains. “Needs for furniture, for work, for clothes and all of this stuff. Our community is very, very generous. I can see this, and I believe it will stay like that.”
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Check out the photos from the Sunday celebration: