November 14-16, 2025
The XXVIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in Toronto brought together leaders and changemakers, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was honoured to contribute to the conversations shaping Ukraine’s recovery and our community’s future. We are keen to share highlights from an engaging and impactful three days.
How civil society can drive Ukraine’s recovery and future growth
CUF was honoured to sponsor the vital and timely Rebuilding Ukraine panel discussion where we highlighted the critical role of civil society in Ukraine’s recovery. With more than 30 years of experience supporting Ukraine through medical, educational, cultural, and child-centred programs, our Chair, Andrew Maleckyj, shared how CUF’s trusted networks and on-the-ground humanitarian infrastructure continue to deliver impact in real time.
CUF Keynote Report
CUF’s Executive Director, Valeriy Kostyuk, joined Andrew Maleckyj to present a report featuring CUF’s programs and its ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and resilience. Our role as both an operator and a connector allows us to bridge governments, communities, and partners to ensure today’s aid builds tomorrow’s resilience. A commemorative video tracing 30 years of our organization’s meaningful contributions was premiered.
Organizational Governance
Andrew Maleckyj participated in two panels on organizational governance, sharing an update on the Board’s ongoing review of CUF’s governance structure as we have evolved over 30 years, especially since the 2022 full-scale invasion. This exercise will help ensure our framework reflects the organization we have become and positions us to support Ukraine even more effectively in the years ahead.
Funding Our Community
Valeriy Kostyuk engaged in a workshop discussion to speak about various forms of funding, grants and legacy giving. He shared how over the past three years, CUF has transformed its work to meet the urgent humanitarian demands created by Russia’s full-scale invasion. Our focus has been rapid, targeted emergency relief—even as donations naturally decline.
Grant requests have surged dramatically, so to remain effective and sustainable, CUF is sharpening its strategic priorities, strengthening rigorous grant evaluation, and expanding outreach beyond the Ukrainian Canadian community. This work is powered by a committed team of staff and volunteers, ensuring we can continue delivering impactful support to Ukraine when it is needed most.
UCC Awards Banquet
CUF extends its warm congratulations to all recipients honoured at the UCC Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 15. Their efforts, accomplishments, and dedication to the Ukrainian community, to Canada, and to Ukraine are truly inspiring. We are also proud to recognize the following individuals who currently work with, of have former strong ties to, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation:
St. Volodymyr the Great Medal
Victor Hetmanczuk C.M.
Chair Emeritus of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
The medal is an honorary award given by the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and represents its highest honour. It recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Ukrainian community worldwide, advanced Ukraine’s interests, and provided distinguished service in support of Ukraine and Ukrainians.
Taras Shevchenko Medal
Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz
CUF Board Member, Corporate Secretary and Chair of the Civil Society Committee
Taras Shevchenko Medal
Dr. Roman Petryshyn Ph.D., C.M.
Founding member of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
Highest form of recognition granted by the UCC for outstanding national voluntary contribution towards the development of the Ukrainian Canadian community.
UCC Leadership Award
Bohdan Kolos
CUF Board Member and Chair of the Education Committee / PLAST Representative
The award recognizes outstanding contribution, dedication to the Ukrainian Canadian community and service to Canada and Ukraine.
Ukrainian Canadian Youth Leadership Award of Excellence
Anhelina Taran
Partnership & Engagement Coordinator at CUF
The award gives recognition to young adult Ukrainian Canadians that have made significant contributions to the broader Ukrainian community and for the betterment of Canada.
Looking Back at the XXVIII Triennial Congress
CUF was grateful for the opportunity to hear from two of our valued partners at the Congress, with whom we collaborated on fundraising campaigns earlier this year.
- Lieutenant-General (ret’d) The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire delivered a compelling keynote in which he reflected on the deep psychological impact of war and emphasized the need for comprehensive support for Ukraine’s veterans and their families.
- CUF also welcomed the chance to connect with Mykola Kuleba, Founder of Save Ukraine, who outlined his organization’s efforts to secure the safe return of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by Russia.
Their reports were a meaningful reminder of the vital work underway and the importance of our continued collaboration.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for organizing an outstanding XXVIII Triennial Congress and was proud to support the event as a Silver Sponsor. Gatherings like this are invaluable opportunities to celebrate our community in Canada and beyond, and to align our collective efforts in support of Ukraine in the years ahead.
About the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF)
Founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.