Ukrainian Association of the Southeast grateful for Manitoba welcome

Manitoba is home to immigrants from around the world, with approximately 300 families from Ukraine in just the past two years.  

Daryna Malyukh, president of the Ukrainian Association of Southeast Manitoba, arrived in Canada seven years ago with her family. She says, according to Eastman Immigrant Services, 35% of newcomers to the southeast are from Ukraine.

“We have big families, families with nine kids or smaller families and we have single people. I'm really happy that people choose Manitoba and Steinbach because we have a very nice, small community. Life is easier here. We even have some families, newcomers who moved from other provinces in the last year, just to live in Steinbach, because they've heard lots of good stuff, and they have no regrets.” 

Malyukh says right now there are more than 700 people recently immigrated people from Ukraine living in the Steinbach area, although she admits it’s hard to keep track. She says most of the families came in 2022 but there wasn’t the large immigration this past year. That said, Malyukh notes there are still people coming.  

“We just welcomed 2 big families in November. Each has nine kids. So, numbers are adding, but we are happy to have all of them are here. So, yes there are still people who are coming from Ukraine, but not as much. Now we are working with more settlement projects.”

Ukraine Independence Day celebrations in Steinbach 2023

Looking back over the events of the last year, Malyukh says a real highlight for them was celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.  

“It was the first time ever that we celebrated together in Steinbach, and we had a huge crowd. Over 400 people came and visited us. We had a beautiful Ukrainian style concert potluck. We had cookie decorating. It was so much fun. It was the biggest highlight for us.”  

She adds many had mixed feelings about the event.  

“It was weird feeling, but also like a feeling of happiness that we can gather together as Ukrainians. Lots of crying, but at the same point appreciation that we are safe here. Appreciation for this country, for this community and that we can celebrate our Ukrainian Independence Day no matter what.” 

Malyukh says their group’s biggest challenge this year was finding work, learning English and finding daycare spaces for their children. 

She notes her appreciation for Chris Goertzen, who helped guide the new immigrants from Ukraine these past two years. 

“He was leading our association with all of his heart, with an open mind. When you start something new you don't know how to do it, you don't know where to go, but with Chris Goertzen and his team, and people around like Southland Church, Helping Hands, oh my word, like so many people who are helping, it was just something new to organize, how to be efficient and I think we are doing good.” 

“I want to mention the President of Filipino association, Greg Carlos. He was also my advisor in all of this year, because he was sharing his experience with Filipino Association. Thank you.” 

Looking ahead to 2024, Malyukh says they are busy planning a Ukrainian Christmas/New Year party on January 13 in the basement of the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church on 2nd Street, starting at 4pm.  

“It will be a potluck style event. We will have a nice fellowship with Ukrainian carols, and everyone is welcome. Then in February we’ll be joining Eastman Immigrant Services for their Culture Week event happening at the Pat Porter in Steinbach. Then in March, we will have a Ukrainian program at Resthaven. Then of course we are looking forward to Ukrainian Independence Day and Summer in the City and yes, we will sell food at our booth.”

Singers from Ukraine join the AM1250 morning show December 28, 2023

 Malyuhk shares these words with her Ukrainian family and friends. 

“Believe in your dreams. Keep going because we are a nation with a strong spirit. We never give up, no matter what. And I encourage you to stay positive, and just do what you do. And in Ukrainian language, I just want to say “Slava Ukrainia,Slava” and Canada, Steinbach particularly is a home away from home for us.” 

And to her Steinbach neighbors and friends she adds,  

“I want to say thank you for the past two years. What you are doing for our community, for Ukrainian community, for all the nations, for all volunteers and work from your heart. Sometimes it's not even a donation gift, but it's the words that can encourage us. So, we appreciate every one of you. We want to stand by each other, no matter where we are from. We are here in Steinbach, all together, and it makes our life easier, and we are here to support each other, which I personally saw in the last two years, I experienced this more than before.” 

“And I want to say Merry Christmas to all community, I wish you all the best holiday season. Enjoy your families and give the best gift to this world, your smile, and your open hearts to other people.” 

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