Brandon group turns carolling into fundraiser for Ukraine while 'keeping our traditions'

Carrying bells and raising their voices, members of Brandon’s Ukrainian community spread Christmas joy while supporting Ukraine’s front line Saturday.

Members of the Brandon Ukrainian-Canadian Association Tryzub sang traditional songs as part of carolling for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said volunteer Julia Krykavska.

Carolling is meant to bring joy to families and neighbours during the Christmas season, Krykavska said.

“We wish everyone would be at a Christmas table today,” she said. “We know for those who are on the front line in the battlefield, they are not celebrating Christmas as they wish for with their family members.”

Krykavska hopes bringing the tradition of carolling to Brandon keeps attention on the ongoing war.

Olga Boiko said traditionally Tryzub — a Ukrainian organization made up of both newcomers and long-settled Ukrainian Canadians — organizes cultural events and community activities.

That role shifted significantly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, as members felt a responsibility to act while living safely in Canada, she said

“We are far from Ukraine. We don't hear those bombs … and missiles,” she said, “Our kids sleep nicely in their beds and we need, we must do lots to support them.”

Carolling is part of the war effort, she said. It spreads warmth and good cheer in Brandon while raising money for Ukraine’s defenders.

“We appreciate what they do,” she said. “We need their defence … this is priceless.”

Boiko said the message behind the carolling is personal, as her brother is currently serving on the front lines in Ukraine.

Missile and drone attacks continue daily in Ukraine, and Boiko said her home region of Chernihiv, near the borders with Russia and Belarus, has recently seen evacuations ordered as fighting intensifies.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward humanitarian and relief initiatives in Ukraine.  Since the war began, Tryzub has focused on fundraising and support for displaced Ukrainians and for soldiers fighting on the front lines.

After helping waves of newcomers settle in Brandon, the group has returned its focus to fundraising for Ukraine’s defenders.

Funds raised help purchase items such as vehicles, drones, medical supplies, camouflage nets and Starlink equipment, Boiko said. She added different units require different supplies to stay safe.

Boiko said volunteers in her home village remain in daily contact, sharing updates on what is most urgently needed.

Solidarity between Canada and Ukraine

Past Tryzub president Oleksandr Boiko said continued Canadian support for Ukraine is critical, pointing to a recent meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Mark Carney, where Canada pledged $2.5 billion in economic aid.

“It's very important to show the whole world that Ukraine still has that strong support,” Oleksander said, adding, “especially from Canada where there's a lot of Ukrainians.”

The recent funding pledge from Canada is particularly important as support from the United States has waned, he said. At the same time Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Oleksandr said, making international backing essential.

“Canada, show the whole world … we support Ukraine,” he said. “They fight for freedom.”

He said keeping Ukrainian traditions alive in Canada is also part of that fight.

Feels like home

One of the households carollers visited was Mariana Pasakas, who said hearing the accordion and songs felt like home.

“We continue to keep our traditions … and come together,” Pasakas said. “It's showing that we are Ukrainians are together and everything.… It’s very special.”

While she prays for the war to end soon, she said celebrating together helps ease the pain.

Yurii Stasyk, who moved to Brandon from Ukraine almost four years ago, said volunteering and carolling helps him stay connected to his roots.

“It's heritage.… It's keeping our traditions,” Stasyk said. “It's important to remember where you're from.”

Despite the long war, singing together brings hope, he said.

Krykavska said events like caroling are Tryzub’s contribution to Ukraine’s war effort.

“Ukraine is suffering.… The war is still ongoing,” Krykavska said. “We still want to make sure the world has its attention to Ukraine and in supporting it as much as they can.”