A special gathering was held on Monday night for Ukrainian newcomers to celebrate Christmas. (Randy Hoback/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Local MP opens doors to special Christmas event for Ukrainian newcomers

Dec 20, 2022 | 12:13 PM

It was a time to give back this Christmas, especially to those who recently came to Prince Albert from Ukraine.

Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback hosted a Christmas gathering for the Ukrainian newcomers in town on what is known as St. Nicholas Day.

The idea came to Hoback after some residents recommended something be done for the Ukrainian children who have come to the city for Christmas.

“We’re kind of flying by the seat of our pants a bit but I think we’ve had a pretty successful turnout,” Hoback said.

The event featured many newcomers as well as members of the Prince Albert Police, MLA Alana Ross, the Prince Albert Raiders, Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick and Sonya Jahn who has been instrumental in helping make the newcomers feel at home.

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Hoback acknowledged that it’s been a tough year so far for many newcomers having left their home country and in some cases being split apart from families. That’s why he wanted to make sure this event was a special one for those that attended.

“That’s one thing that makes Canada a great country is that we’re made up of a variety of different cultures that come together and through the coming together they’ve got some great new traditions,” he said.

Traditionally, Ukrainian Christmas falls on Orthodox Christmas Day on Jan. 7. Regardless, Hoback said he wanted to show kindness and give back to the Ukrainian community.

“I just wanted them to experience a Canadian Christmas, a chance for the kids to have some gifts and a nice meal and a nice evening out with friends and family,” he said.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock