A day of celebration at Ukrainian-Canadian event in New Hamburg

Dancers from “Pantera” perform traditional Ukrainian dances in folk costumes at the unity celebration in New Hamburg. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis hosted a Ukrainian-Canadian Unity event in New Hamburg on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The event was held to celebrate the opening of a new guest house for Ukrainian newcomers, the unveiling of the Community Unity Mural and the launch of the book, Voices Across Time. Around 80 people attended the celebration, including Ukrainian families, community members, volunteers and local supporters.

The area’s newest guest house, located on Huron Street in New Hamburg, is the 11th of its kind in the Waterloo Region. The guest homes offer temporary housing to Ukrainian families who are new to Canada, giving them a safe place to stay while they search for jobs and permanent housing. So far, 20 families have stayed in these guest homes.

For many Ukrainian newcomers, adjusting to life in Canada is very difficult, often arriving without jobs or much support. Since they are not officially registered as refugees, they do not receive the same level of government assistance. As a result, many families struggle to find stable housing and employment, and some even consider returning to Ukraine because they feel they have no other choice.

Grassroots Response, a non-profit organization, was founded in Wilmot Township by Stephanie Good of Petersburg to help newcomers from Ukraine. The organization began in 2022 as a volunteer effort and has since grown to support more than 4,500 Ukrainian newcomers in the region, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Olga Strasburger, who arrived in Canada in September 2023, is one of those newcomers. Strasburger stayed with a host family in Kitchener until she was able to rent her own apartment. Though she could afford an apartment, she couldn’t afford furniture or other necessities.

“I am very thankful for the kindness I have experienced,” Strasburger said. “Everything I have in my apartment is from the generous donations of Canadians.”

When Strasburger first arrived in the area, she volunteered with Grassroots Response. After four months, Goertz offered her a position and Strasburger is now part of the Grassroots Response staff, working as the marketing and donor relations coordinator. The organization has four paid staff members, all newcomers from Ukraine. Goertz and her family continue to volunteer their time and remain very involved in the daily running of the organization.

The guest house in New Hamburg has been generously donated rent-free by Marie and Greg Voisin and their family. The Voisin family has been supporting Grassroots Response for the past three years. They continue to be active donors and volunteers with the organization. Strasburger described Marie Voisin warmly, saying, “She’s your neighbour, she’s a very good person.”

The Ukrainian-Canadian Unity event was a joyful celebration. Guests enjoyed a free barbecue provided by the New Hamburg Lions Club, great supporters of the Grassroots Response.

Local Ukrainian vendors sold crafts, handmade products and Ukrainian treats, while Ukrainian dancers performed and even offered a short dance class to those who wanted to try something new.

A special highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new Community Unity Mural created by Ukrainian artist Viktoriia Makarova, who lives in the guest house in New Hamburg with her mother and newborn baby, Ava. Guests attending the event were invited to join in painting the unity mural.

Grassroots Response is inviting service groups, churches and community organizations, as well as groups of friends or families, to take part in painting the mural. The Community Unity Mural can be seen at 225 Huron St. in New Hamburg. Anyone who would like to participate in creating the mural can contact Strasburger at 519-778-6400 to arrange a time.

The Ukrainian-Canadian Unity celebration also marked the launch of the Voices Across Time project. The project aims to unite communities by preserving immigration experiences through stories, strengthening identity, reconnecting with previous generations and supporting newly arrived Ukrainians.

Voices Across Time is a collection of personal stories from Ukrainians displaced by war, alongside reflections from Canadians with Ukrainian roots. Their stories offer inspiration and hope to newly arrived Ukrainians, providing powerful examples of the resilience it takes to build a new life in Canada. Copies of the book are available to purchase.

Though the Grassroots Response team does not have a permanent office, its dedicated staff and volunteers continue their important work. The four staff members currently work from home or meet in community spaces in Kitchener and guest houses throughout the region. They hope to secure a dedicated workspace in the future.

Grassroots Response is currently looking for people to serve on its board of directors, as volunteers and donors. Grassroots continues to rely on donations and community support. Strasburger shared how deeply grateful the organization is for the incredible support and generosity shown by the local community.

Anyone interested in helping by donating furniture, food, money, offering a meeting space or guest house, or purchasing the book Voices Across Time is encouraged to get in touch by emailing info@grassrootsresponse.ca or by visiting the Grassroots Response website.