All are welcome to come to Vernon's Kin Beach to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day Sunday, Aug. 24.
The Thompson Okanagan Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and members of the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble are holding a free barbecue to mark the occasion, taking place at 4 p.m.
Recognizing Ukrainian independence has taken on a whole new meaning in light of Russia's war of aggression against the eastern European nation, which has been ongoing since February 2022.
More than 100 people attended last year's celebration.
Andrea Malysh, president of the local Ukrainian Canadian Congress branch, said at last year's event that Independence Day is a good opportunity to remind the public of the hardships Ukrainians are enduring amid the war.
"People need to be reminded that the war is still going on," Malysh said. "There's still people suffering, and so however we can help them, we still need to do that."
The congress regularly raises money for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which is providing Ukrainians with humanitarian aid. People can visit to donate.
Children's games will be provided by the Ukrainian School of Vernon.
To register with the number of people attending, email ucctobranch@gmail.com or sadok@shaw.ca, or call 250-309-6948.
