The story I often share during my presentations on how British Columbia stands with Ukraine is the story of the people of Comox who planted the Welcome Tree. It’s my hope that every community can plant welcome trees for refugees and write messages in their languages. I’m deeply grateful to Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora communities who are finding creative ways to stand with Ukraine. The Welcome Tree story is a powerful reminder of how everyone can find ways to support Ukraine and its people. Every time I visit Comox Valley, I take time to come to the tree and thank everyone in Canada who stands with Ukraine.
A Symbol of Unity: The Welcome Tree Finds a Home in Comox
On August 24, 2023 – Ukraine Independence Day – more than 60 Comox Valley locals gathered at McKenzie Park for a truly special event: the Welcome Tree Dedication ceremony. This wasn’t just any tree planting; it was a profound gesture of support and solidarity for recent Ukrainian immigrants relocating to the area.
The story of this tree is as remarkable as its symbolism. It began its journey as an acorn from a 700-year-old tree in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Steve Thiessen, who helped set up Ukraine’s Florence Centre, nurtured this acorn into a sapling. Inspired by this act of care, the Comox Men’s Shed group decided to donate the young tree to the town.
A Community Effort
The planting of the Welcome Tree was truly a community effort. The Comox Men’s Shed members not only donated the tree but also took charge of the planting process. Working alongside the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society, they ensured the tree found a strong, new home in McKenzie Park.
The dedication ceremony was a celebration of culture and unity. A talented singer from the local Ukrainian community graced the event with an entrancing performance, adding a touch of Ukrainian heritage to the proceedings.
More Than Just a Tree
In the face of the ongoing russian mass-murder in Ukraine, this ceremony demonstrated Comox’s deep concern for those displaced by war. The Welcome Tree now stands as a living symbol of the bond between the Comox community and recent Ukrainian arrivals.
The tree carries a powerful message:
“This oak tree, planted in March 2023, is dedicated to the Ukrainian people who have recently arrived in Canada, especially to those who have been displaced by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which started in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and escalated on February 24, 2022. It stands as a symbol of new life, hope and welcome from the residents of the Comox Valley to these most recent arrivals, forced to leave their homes.” The message is written in both Ukrainian and English
A Growing Community
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine over 18 months ago, 65 households comprising 170 Ukrainian newcomers have restarted their lives in the Comox Valley and Campbell River area. The Welcome Tree serves as a living testament to the community’s commitment to supporting these families as they build new lives in Canada.
A Call to Action
The Welcome Tree in Comox serves as an inspiration for communities across Canada and beyond. It shows how a simple act – planting a tree – can become a powerful symbol of welcome, hope, and solidarity.
As we face global challenges that displace millions of people, initiatives like the Welcome Tree remind us of the power of community action. Whether it’s planting a tree, organizing a cultural event, or simply extending a hand of friendship, we all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those seeking safety and a new beginning.
Let the Welcome Tree of Comox inspire us all to find creative and meaningful ways to welcome and support refugees in our communities. Together, we can create a world where every displaced person finds not just shelter, but a true sense of home and belonging.
Let the Welcome Tree of Comox inspire us all to find creative and meaningful ways to welcome and support refugees in our communities. Together, we can create a world where every displaced person finds not just shelter, but a true sense of home and belonging.
References
Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society. (2023, August 18). Welcome Tree Dedication. https://cvukrainianculturalsociety.ca/2023/08/18/welcome-tree-dedication/
Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society. (2023, August 26). A Symbol of Unity: The Welcome Tree finds a home in Comox. https://cvukrainianculturalsociety.ca/2023/08/26/a-symbol-of-unity-the-welcome-tree-finds-a-home-in-comox/
Record staff. (2023, August 16). Tree dedication upcoming in Comox to honour Ukrainian Independence Day. Comox Valley Record. https://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/community/tree-dedication-upcoming-in-comox-to-honour-ukrainian-independence-day-1721936
Town of Comox. (2023, August 26). Welcome Tree – dedication story. https://www.comox.ca/welcometree
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