The Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers is a store in downtown Edmonton and the first of its kind in the city. The store provides clothing and essentials at no charge to Ukrainian newcomers displaced by the war in Ukraine. What makes Free Store different is that it is in a beautiful, premium downtown location where ‘shoppers’ can feel a sense of pride and motivation. The products are also premium thanks to the community’s support to provide a hand-up to our newcomers.
Founded by Janice Krissa-Moore, her daughter, Jorgia Krissa-Moore, and support from building owner Henok Kassaye, the Free Store has provided clothing to over 3,000 Ukrainian Nationals and has received media attention across Canada.
The store started as an emergency response to those fleeing the war and has grown to much more. It is run solely by volunteers and has quickly expanded through the community’s support. Donors from Nova Scotia to Vancouver have been captivated by the hope the store has created for a brighter future for Ukrainians looking to settle in Canada.
Initially, the volunteers were from Edmonton, but that quickly changed as more and more Ukrainians started to come to Canada. Currently, 80% or more of the volunteers are recently-arrived Ukrainian Nationals from Ukraine who are now giving back to the very store that was providing comfort. Here, a community is being built through friendships and giving back.
A volunteer lounge is available for breaks and spending time getting to know each other, which is essential for the goal of building community.
Janice Krissa-Moore
Born and raised in Edmonton, Janice Krissa-Moore has always had a passion for the community. Her business career led her to fund development, and for over a decade, she has helped organizations increase their annual fundraising campaigns through hard work and creativity. Janice led the establishment of NorQuest College’s 1000 Women, the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Wall of Honour, and she led “Jordan Takes the Stage’, which captured the attention of the world and was rated in the top ten news stories in 2016. She has served on several boards and committees, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, TELUS Connections, UFest, and YouthfulCities. In 2013, she was honoured as a Top 40 under 40 for the millions of dollars she has raised for community projects. She currently serves as the Sr. Vice President at Junior Achievement and is pursuing an Executive MBA at Royal Roads University.
On her entrepreneurial side, Janice was the Associate Producer for the feature film” They Who Surround Us” and has worked alongside Emmy Award-winning producers. The film won Best Canadian Film, Best First Time Filmmaker, and Best Trailer at the Montreal Independent Film Festival and Audience Choice Award at the Edmonton International Film Festival.
She is a mother to three fabulous children who are actively involved in their Ukrainian heritage. In her spare time, you can find Janice spending time with family and friends, skiing, hiking, or enjoying a glass of red wine.
