The Ukrainian diaspora in Calgary numbers over 70,000 people and includes three dozen parishes, cultural societies, business associations, and charitable initiatives. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get involved in community life, choose a volunteer or creative path, and find friends and professional contacts.
Organization | What it offers | How to join |
---|---|---|
Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Calgary Branch (UCC-Calgary) | Coordinates 30+ Ukrainian organizations, holds rallies and festivals | Fill out an application at uccalberta.ca; visit Community Updates (409 9 Ave NE) |
Ukrainian & Canadian Professional & Business Association (UCPBA) | Networking breakfasts, mentoring, student grants | Submit a form at ucpbacalgary.ca; membership fee $50/year ($10 for students) |
Ukrainian Women Advancement Association (UWAA) | Mentoring programs for newly arrived women, career workshops | Send a letter to [email protected] |
Membership in one of these organizations gives you access to Telegram/Slack groups and an events calendar.
Event | When and where | Why you should go |
---|---|---|
Calgary Ukrainian Festival | First Saturday–Sunday in June, Acadia Rec Complex | Dancing, fair, volunteering; registration at [email protected] |
YYC Ukrainian Food & Culture Market | Monthly, various locations | Delicious food and crafts; networking with producers |
Ukrainian Carol Festival | December, St Stephen’s Church | Gala concert of choirs; open recruitment of singers without auditions |
Many roles require knowledge of Ukrainian and English.
School / course | Format | Cost |
---|---|---|
Ridna Shkola | Saturday school (children aged 4–18) | $450/year (discount for second child) |
St Stephen’s Evening Classes | Evening courses I–IV (Zoom) | $140 adults / $80 teenagers |
Language Trainers | Individual or corporate lessons | from $45/hour |
Language courses — a quick way to join the community and make new friends.
Group | Age | How to register |
---|---|---|
Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society | 3–70 years old | Online registration at barvinok.ca |
Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society | 5+ years old | “Join the Tryzub Family” form at tryzub.ca |
Children of evacuees are eligible for scholarships — ask the coordinators for more information.
Parish | Features | Contacts |
---|---|---|
St Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor | Church, concert hall, Saturday school | 3316 28 Ave SW |
St Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church | Volunteer hub, Telegram job channel | 4903 45 St SW |
Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Parish | Ridna Shkola, nativity scenes | 704 6 St NE |
After the liturgy, “Agape coffee” is often served — an ideal opportunity to meet activists.
Channel | Content |
---|---|
Telegram @UAnewcomers_StStephens | Job openings, events, humanitarian aid |
Facebook Calgary4Ukraine | Housing search, transportation, collection of items |
Instagram @yycukrainianmarket | Market announcements, volunteer opportunities |
Meetup Ukrainians in YYC | Conversation clubs, hikes, movie nights |
Week | Actions |
---|---|
1 | Attend Sunday liturgy at St Vladimir’s and stay for Agape coffee |
2 | Register as a volunteer for the Calgary Ukrainian Festival (volunteer@…) |
3 | Attend the UCPBA Business Mixer and add your profile to the Ukrainian Business Map |
4 | Start a language course and enroll your child in the Barvinok or Tryzub dance group |
Once you have completed these steps, you will receive an invitation to join large-scale projects and consultations.
This way, you will not only preserve your Ukrainian identity, but also become an active member of one of the largest Ukrainian communities in Canada.