𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 — 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲

Day 1,454 since February 24th, 2022 (1,454 день повномасштабної війни)

Day 4,380 since February 20th, 2014, Temporary Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

Thank you to all who #StandWithUkraine

Greetings from Kamloops, British Columbia!

Dear Stand with Ukraine supporters,

As February deepens and we approach the most painful anniversary on our calendar, four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, I want to begin, as always, with gratitude.

You are one of approximately 700 people who receive these updates — 700 individuals and families across Kamloops, across Canada, and around the world who have chosen to stand with Ukraine. Some of you have stood with us at City Hall on Saturdays since the very beginning. Some of you joined last month. Some of you live thousands of kilometres away and simply wanted to stay connected. However you arrived here, thank you for staying.

This update carries a special weight. One week from today marks four full years since the full-scale invasion. Four years of missile strikes on civilians. Four years of children growing up in bomb shelters. Four years of families torn apart. And four years of communities like ours refusing to look away.

In this update, I want to share with you something we’ve been building for months: A Week of Solidarity: Kamloops Stands with Ukraine (February 21–28, 2026), a powerful week of events that invites our entire community to see, feel, remember, and stand together. I also want to share ongoing opportunities and resources that continue to matter.

Please take a moment to read through the updates below and take action where you can. Your participation preserves Ukrainian memory, supports Ukrainian students and newcomers, and sends a message that echoes far beyond our city.

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𝗔 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬: 𝗞𝗔𝗠𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗨𝗞𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟭–𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀, 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮

From an immersive virtual reality exhibition to sacred memorial services, a diaspora art retrospective, and the continuation of a vigil tradition now spanning 210 consecutive Saturdays, this week invites all community members to see, feel, remember, and stand together.

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🇺🇦 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟭 — “𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲” 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Old Court House, Kamloops | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The acclaimed “War Up Close” virtual reality exhibition comes to Kamloops. This powerful digital project has been traveling the world for more than three years, sharing the truth about Ukraine’s ongoing struggle through immersive 360° panoramic images and drone footage.

The exhibition does not depict graphic violence. Instead, it documents the destruction of Ukrainian cities, schools, and hospitals — clear evidence of crimes committed against the Ukrainian people. Visitors consistently describe the experience as transformative, saying it feels as though they are actually standing in Ukraine.

The exhibition also features “Sunflower Dreams” — heartfelt artworks by Ukrainian children displaced by war. These children once lived in the homes now reduced to rubble in eastern and southern Ukraine. Now refugees in their own land, living in Lviv, they paint with joy, hope, and resilience in the brightest colours. But look closely, and you will see their trauma, loss, and pain woven into every brushstroke. The Sunflower Dreams project is inspired by Lviv art lecturer Nataliia Pavliuk and her daughter Yustyna, whose tireless and courageous program helps traumatized children heal through the peace of creating art.

Sustain Ukraine, a key partner in supporting Ukraine’s defenders, will also be present. In partnership with Teachers of Kyiv, they support powerful student-led efforts — from weaving camouflage netting and helmet covers to creating 3D-printing labs, repairing and donating vehicles, and raising funds. These students are not just learning — they are saving lives and giving hope.

Bring your family and friends. Come SEE what is actually happening in Ukraine. The event is free, with donations welcomed.

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🇺🇦 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟭 — 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 & 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Near City Hall, Kamloops | 3:00 PM

Saturday #209.

Kamloops joins communities around the world for a Global Day of Action marking the 4th anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion. All are welcome to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. Local MPs Mel Arnold and Frank Caputo, along with other elected officials including the Mayor and local MLAs, have been invited to attend and reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukrainian newcomers, including advocating for fast-track permanent residency pathways.

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🇺🇦 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟮 — 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗸𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 Ukrainian Catholic Church, Kamloops 9:00 AM — Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM — Panykhyda

The community gathers in prayer and remembrance to honour the thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and children who have perished since Russia’s invasion. The Panykhyda, a solemn memorial service in the Ukrainian liturgical tradition, offers a sacred space to grieve, to remember, and to pray for peace.

All are welcome to attend.

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🇺🇦 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟲 — “𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲”: 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 TRU Art Gallery, Old Main, Student Street | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

The TRU Art Gallery hosts the opening reception for “Memory, Time and Place” — a retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable 38-year career of printmaker and Associate Professor Darlene Kalynka.

Her work explores life on the prairies and the Ukrainian diaspora experience — including her etching “Travelling in Ukraine.” The opening reception marks Darlene’s retirement from TRU.

Darlene has stood with Ukraine at our weekly gatherings for all four years, a steadfast presence at every rally since the beginning. We honour her dedication both as an artist and as a member of our community of solidarity.

The exhibition runs February 23 to March 6. The TRU Art Gallery on Student Street in Old Main is open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

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🇺🇦 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴 — 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝟰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 Near City Hall, Kamloops | 3:00 PM

Saturday #210. Four years since Kamloops began standing with Ukraine.

Russia’s war on Ukraine began in 2014 with the invasion of Crimea and Donbas. The full-scale invasion followed on February 24, 2022. Two days later, on February 26, our community gathered for the first time, and we have not missed a single Saturday since.

What began as an urgent response to the shock of invasion has become one of the longest-running continuous public gatherings with the people of Ukraine in Canada. Every week, community members gather with Ukrainian flags, signs, and an unshakeable commitment to ensuring that Ukraine is not forgotten.

Two hundred and ten Saturdays. Four years. One unwavering message: We stand with Ukraine.

All are welcome to join us.

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𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱

This week of events is made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many partners: City of Kamloops · UCC Thompson Okanagan · Stand with Ukraine Kamloops · Thompson Rivers University · Ukrainian Catholic Church Kamloops · War Up Close · Sustain Ukraine · Sunflower Dreams · Meest Canada

All events are free. Donations are welcome.

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𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆

A reminder that the Friends of Ukraine Award — a $1,000 annual scholarship for TRU students connected to Ukraine through heritage, culture, or community involvement — continues to accept applications each year with a December 31 deadline. If you know an eligible TRU student who has not yet applied, please encourage them to do so for the 2026 cycle. If you are interested in joining the adjudication committee for this year’s award, please let Sasha know. We will have our meeting before the end of February.

Award Contact: Dr. Oleksandr “Sasha” Kondrashov 📧 krasun@gmail.com TRU Inquiries: Tatiana Gilbert, Director of Development 📞 250-214-0055 📧 tgilbert@tru.ca

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✉️ 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿

Want to send a message of hope directly to someone on the front lines? We provide free supplies — postcards, stamps, everything you need. Write your message, and we’ll ship it to Ontario, where every card is delivered to defenders in Ukraine via https://postcardstothefrontcanada.com/

A few words from Kamloops can travel thousands of kilometres to remind a soldier that the world hasn’t forgotten them. Reach out if you’d like to participate — we’ll make it easy.

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𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Registration is open! The Challenge began on Sunday (today it the third day, check updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukrainianroots. This 12-week video storytelling initiative combines cultural resistance with direct support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Participants create 12 weekly videos exploring their Ukrainian roots while committing to support Ukraine’s defenders throughout their journey. Register: https://tinyurl.com/Ukrroots. Check Week 1 Workbooks in 16 languages: https://tinyurl.com/URC-Week-1. If you can help us proofread the workbook, or if you know of any language not yet on the list and are willing to help, please let me know.  

Three Levels: 🌱 SPROUT (15-60 seconds): Perfect for beginners 🌿 BRANCH (60-120 seconds): Comfortable middle ground 🌳 ROOT (120-360 seconds): Deep storytelling

Email: okondrashov@tru.ca Hashtag: #UkrainianRoots Learn more: https://krasun.ca/2025/10/04/ukrainian-roots-challenge-2026-cultural-resistance-meets-direct-action/

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𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟: 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗨𝗔𝗘𝗧 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

This remains one of the most urgent issues facing Ukrainian newcomers in Canada. Since February 24, 2022, approximately 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Many have been working legally in Canada for over three years, contributing to the economy, paying taxes, filling labour shortages, and integrating into Canadian communities — yet face obstacles in securing permanent residence.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) continues to advocate for a Temporary Public Policy (TPP) to provide a pathway to permanent residence for eligible CUAET visa holders and their families. We encourage you to support these efforts by contacting your local MP and sharing the UCC’s recommendations widely.

For more details: https://www.ucc.ca/2025/10/16/ucc-policy-recommendations-to-minister-metlege-diab-ircc-october-16-2025/

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𝗔 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

I need help. If you have skills in communications, email management, photography, social media, event coordination, or simply want to help organize our Stand with Ukraine efforts, please reach out. This movement runs on the energy of volunteers. Many hands make light work.

You can always subscribe for news on my website drokacademy.ca and receive updates whenever I post. If I’ve somehow missed your email or you know someone who should be on this list, my apologies, please forward this message and invite them to subscribe.

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𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

Four years is a long time. I know you’re tired. I know you have jobs, families, health concerns, and a thousand responsibilities pulling at you. War fatigue is real, for those living through it, and for those witnessing it from afar. Your exhaustion doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human.

But here’s what I’ve learned over 208 Saturdays and counting: showing up tired is still showing up. You don’t need to feel energized or hopeful every time. You just need to be present. Every honk from a passing car, every wave, every thumbs up, every person who slows down to read our signs, it matters. It tells Ukrainians, here and in Ukraine, that they are not forgotten.

As we mark four years, communities around the world continue to look to Kamloops as an example of what sustained solidarity looks like. That’s not a small thing. That’s extraordinary.

Global solidarity isn’t optional when democracy itself is under attack. It’s necessary. And it benefits us all, not just morally, but practically. A world where aggression fails is a safer world for Canada, for our children, and for generations to come.

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𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

As we continue our journey together, I encourage you to:

🇺🇦 ATTEND A Week of Solidarity events (February 21–28)

🇺🇦 SHARE event information with friends, neighbours, coworkers, and on social media

🇺🇦 VISIT the “War Up Close” exhibition and bring someone who hasn’t yet seen what’s happening in Ukraine

🇺🇦 ATTEND the Panykhyda Memorial Service on Sunday, February 22

🇺🇦 CELEBRATE Darlene Kalynka’s art exhibition at TRU

🇺🇦 JOIN us for Saturday #210 on February 28 — four years of solidarity 🇺🇦 WRITE a postcard to a Ukrainian defender

🇺🇦 SHARE information about the Friends of Ukraine Award with eligible TRU students

🇺🇦 REGISTER for the Ukrainian Roots Challenge 2026

🇺🇦 ADVOCATE for permanent residency pathways for CUAET holders  

🇺🇦 JOIN our weekly Saturday gatherings at City Hall — every Saturday at 3:00 PM

Your continued participation and support make a meaningful difference in preserving Ukrainian memory, supporting displaced students and newcomers, and standing with those affected by the war.

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𝗘𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆

Please, when possible, take a moment of silence to remember the victims of war in Ukraine, the soldiers who gave their lives defending freedom, the civilians killed by missiles and drones, the children who never grew up, and all those whose lives have been forever changed.

Слава Україні! 🇺🇦 Героям Слава! 💙💛

Вічная Пам’ять героям / Eternal memory to heroes Вічна Пам’ять жертвам війни / Eternal memory to the victims of war

With respect,

Sasha