YMCA Calgary & Calgary Public Library welcome Viktor Serbulov, Secretary General for YMCA Ukraine to the Central Library on March 21 for "One Year After the War Began", an event on the humanitarian response to the War in Ukraine, and how the Calgary community is responding.
Now one year into the war, Viktor will talk about how YMCA Ukraine is responding to the community needs created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and how they are continuing the work that was started before the war. Viktor will share some of the challenges they are facing, as well as the successes they have had in supporting the people of Ukraine during this difficult time.
The event will be emceed by YMCA Calgary's Board Chair, Zain Velji, and will also feature Alka Merlin, Immigrant Services Calgary’s Director of Communications, and Hyder Hassan, founder of Gateway. The program will include remarks from the guest speakers as well as the opportunity for the audience to ask questions. This is a unique opportunity to hear from someone who is on the ground and making a difference in the lives of people in Ukraine, and to hear from those who are helping lead the support offered by the Calgary community. We believe that this event will be informative, inspiring, and educational, and we encourage anyone interested to attend.
One Year After the War Began
Tuesday, March 21
5:30 p.m. reception, 6:00 p.m. program
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library
Central Library, 800 3 Street Southeast Calgary, AB T2G 2E7
Click here to register for tickets.
About YMCA Calgary & YMCA Ukraine's partnership
For over 15 years, YMCA Calgary has partnered with YMCA Ukraine to promote youth development opportunities and learn from one another, as we aspire to make our communities better for future generations. We are committed to continuing to share awareness about the needs abroad and raise funds to aid ongoing humanitarian efforts.
In 2022, YMCA’s across Canada fundraised $101,195 for YMCA Ukraine and 10 local Ukrainian YMCAs. With this support they have been able to purchase a van to transport humanitarian supplies, provide recreational programs for children and youth, provide programs for returning soldiers and their families, and provide support to internally displaced people.
During his stay in Calgary this March, YMCA Calgary will work with Viktor to align our 2023 support to the work of YMCA Europe, which is to support the millions of people that have fled Ukraine and are resettling in new countries across the globe, including here in Canada.
About our Event Partners
Immigrant Services Calgary is dedicated to supporting newcomers to Calgary with emergency supports and vital settlement information. They have been working with Ukrainian evacuees, connecting them to basic needs, employment and English language support to help them settle in Calgary.
Gateway is a collaboration among organizations to better serve and support newcomers who choose to make Alberta their new home. Born out of the desire to improve the lives of newcomers in Calgary, Gateway ensures immigrants and refugees are connected to the best-fit programs and services to thrive in their new homeland.