Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada became one of the key destinations for Ukrainians forced to leave their homes. Since 2022, Edmonton has become a new home for over 20,000 Ukrainian refugees. Here, they not only receive support from the government and local organizations, but they also get involved in volunteer communities themselves. In this article on edmonton-yes, we will highlight the organizations that help Ukrainians adapt more quickly to life in Edmonton.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton
Upon arriving in Edmonton, Ukrainians find themselves in a completely new world, but the adaptation process is gentler thanks to numerous funds and organizations. The Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton (UCSS) plays a vital role in supporting Ukrainian refugees throughout the war. Its roots trace back to the Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund, established in 1945 to aid post-war refugees.
As times change, so do the needs of the community. UCSS Edmonton tracks these changes and constantly adapts its services to always provide necessary assistance. Since 2022, the service has been helping refugees with various issues: finding housing, obtaining immigration services and necessary documents, as well as accessing social services and psychological support.
Ukrainians in Alberta
Ukrainians in Alberta is another key project assisting newly arrived Ukrainians in adapting to life in Alberta. This project similarly provides legal, social, and psychological support. Collaboration with employers, businesses, and landlords plays an important role in the centre’s work.
Through the “Ukrainians in Alberta” platform, you can both receive help and offer it. For example, you can volunteer with tasks like transportation, translation, or document processing. This volunteer system allows refugees to receive immediate assistance upon arrival, helping Ukrainians avoid homelessness and quickly find employment.
How Edmontonians Are Pitching In
Edmonton residents continually rally together to help Ukrainians. Dozens of city dwellers opened their homes to Ukrainians arriving with no money or contacts in Canada. From day one, Edmontonians also massively donated clothing, winter jackets, footwear, dishes, children’s items, and blankets to the refugees.
This support has not stopped over time. New opportunities for refugees from Ukraine are constantly emerging in the city. A great example of assistance comes from the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton. Archpriest Cornel Zubritsky helps people find jobs, negotiate with landlords, and resolve immigration issues.
Local businesses are also actively supporting Ukrainians. In this context, it is worth sharing the story of an incredible Edmonton establishment: “DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen.” DON’YA started as a small donation centre for newcomers from Ukraine, and by 2023, the centre had transformed into a temporary food service and kitchen space. Today, “DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen” is a network of cafes exclusively employing newly arrived Ukrainians.
You can support the “DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen” project by visiting one of the cafes or by purchasing the establishment’s products at local grocery stores, such as the “Italian Centre Shop.”
Unfortunately, since 2025, the Canadian government has ceased funding many programs supporting Ukrainian newcomers, but the community continues to seek opportunities. Ukrainian refugees are not left alone: local organizations, the community, and ordinary city residents strive to ensure safe and comfortable conditions for them.