Quilters from Peachland surprise displaced Ukrainians with hand-made gifts

Photo: Denys Storozhuk

Members of the Pincushions Quilters Guild donated 13 quilts to displaced Ukrainians now living in the Central Okanagan.

More than a dozen displaced Ukrainian families in the Okanagan now have a unique way to remember the warm welcome they have received from the local community.

Member of the Pincushion Quilters Guild from Peachland were the special guests at the second Ukrainian picnic at Bear Creek Provincial Park on Sunday.

They brought 13 hand-made quilts that were put on display and then donated to selected families whose names were drawn at random.

“None of the Ukrainians in attendance had any idea that the quilts had been made for them and the surprise caught them totally off guard,” said Denys Storozhuk of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine.

Vivian Foley, president of the Quilters Guild expressed her delight in witnessing the Ukrainian newcomers’ expressions and kind words of gratitude.

Kelowna-Lake Country MP Tracy Gray was also on hand to meet some of the new arrivals.

Kelowna Stands with Ukraine will be marking Independence Day of Ukraine later this month with an event at The Sails downtown.

August 24 commemorates the 1991 Declaration of Independence from Soviet rule. It also happens to fall six month to the day since Russia invaded Ukraine, displacing millions of people, including hundreds who have fled to the Okanagan.