United in Spirit: Kamloops Shines for Ukraine’s Independence Day

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Kamloops Community,

As we reflect on our Ukraine Independence Day events on Saturday, August 24th, our hearts overflow with gratitude for each and every one of you who made this day truly extraordinary. Your presence, support, and unwavering spirit have touched us deeply and reinforced the strength of our community.

In these challenging times, as Ukraine continues to face russian aggression, celebrating might seem difficult. Yet, inspired by Lesya Ukrajinka’s words “Геть, думи сумні!” (Away, gloomy thoughts!), we found strength in our unity and joy in our shared heritage.

We want to express our deepest thanks to:

• Everyone who joined our Zoom session, exploring innovative ways to support students learning Ukrainian through diaspora learning classes. Your enthusiasm and desire to learn how Dr. Kondrashov uses AI, Google Image, and songs in teaching is inspiring!
• All those who inspired Dr. Kondrashov to write an e-book celebrating 33 years of Ukraine’s Independence by selecting key songs for each year and sharing about Kamloops’ commitments to standing with Ukraine.  
• Father Andrzej, for leading the touching prayer service, and to all who attended, offering their thoughts and prayers for Ukraine.
• The dedicated members of our Stand with Ukraine group, who tirelessly show their support week after week. Your commitment is truly admirable.
• Everyone who came to stand in solidarity at Kamloops City Hall. Your presence spoke volumes, and the powerful speeches delivered as we stood in a circle were deeply moving. Thank you MP Frank Caputo for sharing your greetings with us via the phone. Thank you to all the speakers who spoke from their hearts and touched us with your wisdom and care. Thank you to Oksana for speaking in Ukrainian and allowing us to hear the Ukrainian voice while standing in solidarity in Kamloops. Thank you, Gwendy, for the Indigenous connection, care and solidarity. Sofia, Michele, Juliana, Don, Alana for weekly solidarity and powerful speeches. Thank you to all who speak loud and those in silence. Your presence is critical for standing in solidarity with Ukraine. Even the rain stopped to allow everyone to join and be part of the circle
• Kathy from Vernon, for joining us and sharing her Ukrainian Diaspora family story. Thank you for presenting your book for the auction and enriching our event with your presence.
• Mike and Carol, for making the journey from Celista. Your dedication in traveling to join us is truly appreciated.
• All those who came from neighboring communities to Kamloops. Your support shows that our Ukrainian spirit knows no boundaries.
• Anthony and CFJC team for consistent coverage and for making sure Kamloops community is aware how to stand with Ukraine. Your powerful voices, cameras, stories will be remembered by generations to come.
• Those who sang the Ukrainian anthem near Kamloops City Hall, filling the air with national pride.
• A special thank you to Mike for learning to play the Ukrainian anthem on piano and making his debut performance at Hills of Peace. Your rendition brought tears to our eyes and made the moment truly special, blending Ukrainian spirit with Canadian warmth.
• The Hills of Peace Lutheran Church Congregation and Pastor Jane and family for generously sharing their space, allowing us to host the silent auction, amazing potluck, and e-book launch. Your hospitality made our celebration possible.
• Mike and Slavko, for writing a testimonial and celebrating the launch of the volume 1 of the book that is available on Amazon and Etsy, sharing amazing stories of how BC stands with Ukraine. Thank you to Juliana and Jami for co-authoring the book and for communities featured in the book. More volumes will be published soon and everyone from BC is welcome to submit their testimonial. Please contact Sasha for more information.
• All the wonderful people who contributed their time and delicious food to the potluck. A special mention to Robert for making specially pan-fried varenyky in solidarity with Ukraine, bringing a taste of Serbian-Ukrainian friendship to our table.
• Barb and family, Lynda, and all who contributed to the silent auction supporting the TRU Stand with Ukraine Scholarship Fund. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. While this  silent auction raised less than usual (only $500 compared to the usual $2000), we’re grateful for every contribution. We remain committed to finding new ways to connect with our community and look forward to establishing the endowment fund to offer scholarships for TRU students who stand with Ukraine. Your ideas and contributions towards this goal are always welcome and appreciated.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our events – in person, on Zoom, and in spirit. To all those named and unnamed who stand with Ukraine, not just in Kamloops but globally, your support means the world to us. Your solidarity, whether expressed through physical presence, virtual participation, or thoughts and prayers, strengthens our resolve and reminds us that we are not alone in this struggle.

Thank you to the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian Armed Forces for protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As we commemorate this Independence Day, we solemnly remember the price of independence. The sacrifices made by those who came before us and those who continue to fight for Ukraine’s freedom are not forgotten. We hope that current and future generations will find time to be with their community, remember their ancestors, and acknowledge that only together can Ukraine truly be independent.

One day, we will celebrate in peace and freedom. Until then, we stand united, we remember, and we persevere. Your continued support, in whatever form it takes, gives us hope in these challenging times.

Each of you, in your own unique way, has contributed to making this August 24th, the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, meaningful and impactful. Whether you attended in person, joined us virtually, or supported from afar, you’ve shown that the spirit of Ukraine is alive and strong in our community and around the world. The sea of Vyshyvanka at Hills of Peace was truly amazing to see in Kamloops!

As we move forward, let’s carry the energy and unity of this day with us. Let’s continue to support one another, to share Ukraine’s culture, and to stand firm in our hope for a peaceful and free Ukraine. Together, we are stronger. Together, we keep the flame of Ukrainian independence burning bright.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of the global Ukrainian family. Your support, your stories, and your solidarity mean everything to us and to Ukraine.

With respect

Sasha

Слава Україні! Glory to Ukraine!

#StandWithUkraine #KamloopsCommunity #UkraineIndependenceDay