Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton Branch) is a local voluntary organization helping local Ukrainians. On February 24, 2022  their work took on an international focus, and a role above and beyond their mandate.

“As president of UCSS since September 21, 2020, I feel very blessed that many volunteers, service clubs, churches, businesses, Ukrainian community organizations and the broader non-Ukrainian community encircled the vision of  UCSS to help arriving Ukrainian nationals.”

UCSS was the benefactor of approximately $320,000.00 as of September 16, 2022.  As a non-profit, charitable organization, Ukrainian Canadian Social Services responds to the needs and interests of both the Ukrainian Community as a whole and individuals through its wide range of services.

UCSS reacted very quickly to mobilize a plan to deal with the war in Ukraine. John found himself coming out of retirement and working full-time at the UCSS  office for the next 5 months. As of September 16, 520 families visited the UCSS office. These families were provided with welcome kits and needed information, to aid their settlement experience.

UCSS was able to connect to the public, service clubs, foundations, and businesses for fundraising activities and is very thankful for the generosity of Albertans, donors, volunteers, partners, and community members.

Donated by Oxford properties, the UCSS Welcome Centre was opened at Kingsway Mall on April 12, 2022 and operated daily with 60 volunteers until July. 314 Ukrainian national families accessed the centre with 725 welcome and hygiene kits assembled and provided.

Pysanky for Peace, was developed as a fundraiser project by Kingsway Mall. Twelve Pysanky, 6-feet high, were commissioned by Oxford Properties for local artists to design and paint. These Easter eggs were displayed and later auctioned online with proceeds going to UCSS.

UCSS funded four different Ukrainian camps and a number of field trips during the summer. Canadian Tire vouchers, grocery gift cards, laptops, and computers were donated to the more vulnerable families.

UCSS will continue to help the most vulnerable Ukrainians in the Edmonton area. UCSS sends wishes all the best to Ukrainian nationals in their endeavors. UCSS is not just another organization; it is YOU and US, the Ukrainian Community, helping those in need.

Слава Богові та Україні!

Glory to God and Ukraine!