ABOUT THE FEST
This festival is hosted by the non-profit organization Ukrainian Community of Lanark County in Carleton Place, in partnership with UA Canada Community Foundation. We rely on the generosity of the community and our partners to bring this important event to life. Please support the festival by visiting our GoFundMe page. All proceeds will be donated to the development of the Lanark County Ukrainian Festival.
OUR STORY
The story of our festival, like many interesting stories, started in a garage. Exactly. It was a garage sale organized by Gloria Bradley in spring 2023 in Carleton Place, Ontario.
Initially aimed at supporting Ukrainian families displaced by war, the garage sale garnered significant funds that were successfully transferred to the Ukrainians in Carleton Place.
Inspired by this act of goodwill, the Ukrainian community in Carleton Place decided to express their gratitude by organizing the 1st Ukrainian Fest in Lanark County on that money. The purpose of the festival was twofold: to show appreciation to the Canadians who had helped Ukrainians settle in their new home, and to raise more funds to assist others in need.
The festival proved to be a resounding success, with generous contributions enabling 50 children from the Kharkiv region in Ukraine to receive Christmas gifts.
This heartwarming chain of good intentions continues to grow, with the 2nd Ukrainian Fest in Lanark County in 2024. It was x3 bigger and better than the first.
Building on the success of the previous festivals, we are excited to invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of this inspiring story - 3rd Ukrainian Festival Lanark County 2025. We firmly believe that by uniting our efforts, we can multiply kindness and goodwill and make a significant impact on our world.
OUR MISSION
Our Ukrainian Fest is aiming to express gratitude to Canadian society via sharing of our heritage, where visitors can indulge in delicious Ukrainian cuisine, witness captivating performances of traditional music and dance, and admire the craftsmanship of Ukrainian arts and crafts.
We believe that by showcasing our traditions and values, we can foster cultural understanding and strengthen the bond between Canadians and Ukrainians.
Through our performances, exhibitions, and events, we aim to create a platform for dialogue and exchange, where people can learn about the beauty and resilience of Ukrainian culture.
Additionally, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of Ukrainian children who have been impacted by the war.
By raising funds and partnering with charity organizations, we hope to provide them with the necessary resources and support to overcome the challenges they face.
We understand that the journey may be difficult, but we are determined to never give up on our efforts to make a difference.
Together, with the support of Canadians and Ukrainian Canadians, we can continue to share our rich cultural heritage and contribute to a brighter future for Ukraine.
CHARITY PROJECT 2025
Kids of Ukraine is a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 to support children and their families displaced by the war. In 2024, the organization registered a charitable foundation in Ukraine. Its main focus is on psychosocial support for adolescents affected by the conflict through educational, creative, restorative, and recreational programs. One of the key initiatives is the “SviTy” program, which provides psychological support and social integration for teenagers aged 11 to 17. This program offers group and individual psychotherapy, restorative practices, workshops, art therapy, sound therapy, sports activities, excursions, and parent support groups.
Since its founding, Kids of Ukraine has established four psychosocial support centers in central and western Ukraine—in Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. On average, these centers serve around 900 participants each month. Through these centers, about 1,600 children and their families have received vital psychological help and support.
These psychosocial support centers serve as safe spaces for adolescents to receive professional psychological support, build friendships, and participate in creative and educational events. The organization also runs restorative camps in the Carpathian Mountains, offering a peaceful environment away from sirens where participants can heal emotionally, take part in psychological and team-building workshops, experience group hikes, and engage in outdoor activities. Educational programs prepare young people for adulthood by developing social and personal skills, assisting in educational choices, and unlocking their potential.
