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.
1. Start with umbrella organizations
| 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.
2. Attend cultural events and festivals
| 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 |
3. Volunteer opportunities
- Calgary4Ukraine
- Host registry, logistics for new arrivals
- Form at calgary4ukraine.com
- St Stephen Protomartyr Donation Centre
- Sorting and distribution of humanitarian aid
- [email protected]
- St Vladimir’s Sobor
- Support for festivals, workshops
- Centre for Newcomers / ISC
- Translation, assistance with government services
Many roles require knowledge of Ukrainian and English.
4. Learn and practice Ukrainian
| 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.
5. Arts and sports
Dance groups
| 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.
Sports clubs
- Ukrainian Sports Association “Tryzub”: soccer, volleyball, badminton (Facebook @tryzub.sport)
- UNF Calgary – Ukrainian National Youth Federation (UNYF): camps, volunteer projects
6. Religious communities as community hubs
| 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.
7. Business networking
- UCPBA Business Mixers — monthly, speed-networking format + presentations by entrepreneurs
- Ukrainian Business Map YYC — add your company for free via the Google form on the UCPBA website
- UWAA Mentor-Mentee Program — help with CVs, interviews, and career development
8. Digital resources and social media
| 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 |
9. Quick roadmap (30 days)
| 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.
Conclusions
- Choose an entry point: UCC-Calgary, a parish, or a language school.
- Become a volunteer: festivals, churches, charity centers.
- Learn new skills: language, dance, business.
- Support newcomers: housing, translation, mentoring.
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.