How We Started

The store started as an emergency response to those fleeing to Canada to escape the war in Ukraine and has grown to so much more. It is run solely by volunteers and has quickly expanded through the community's support. Donors from Nova Scotia to Vancouver have been captivated by the hope the store has created for a brighter future for Ukrainians looking to settle in Canada.  Initially, the volunteers were from Edmonton, but that quickly changed as more and more Ukrainians started to come to Canada. Currently, 80% or more of the volunteers are recently-arrived Ukrainian Nationals from Ukraine, who are now giving back to the very store that was providing comfort. Here, a community is being built through friendships and giving back.

Some Facts

According to the latest Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) visa figures as of December 25th, 2022:

  • Over 137,797 Ukrainian newcomers have arrived in Canada by land and air.

  • 474,473 visas have been approved

  • Almost 755,784 applications have been received so far.

  • Approximately 30 Ukrainians arrive daily in Edmonton

  • It is estimated that over 11,000 Ukrainians are in Alberta

These numbers are astounding compared to previous
Canadian immigration initiatives, so this is truly a moment in history!

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/key-figures.html

The Goal

As the number of Ukrainians coming to Edmonton continues to rise, it is essential that Free Store transition from a volunteer-based initiative to a structured organization. As more and more Ukrainians arrive in Canada, our goal is to have employees dedicated to expanding the organization and meeting the needs of newcomers to Canada. We currently have strong support from the community for donations of clothing and essentials and a strong volunteer base. We want to sustain and grow this support by dedicating more time and resources to building a formal organization. Currently, we are open one to two days per week.

Immediate Needs

  • Dedicate time to source donations

  • Volunteer Coordination

  • Building Partnerships in the Community for Donation Depots

  • Gaining sponsorships

  • Coordinating work readiness and financial literacy programs for newcomers

  • Putting on educational and networking events

The Reality

The majority of newcomers from Ukraine to Alberta are women and children, so the result will be an influx of single mothers on one income, which will likely be lower than average due to limited Canadian work experience. We hope to continue the Free Store for three full years so these families have support during the first years of settlement and get through challenging milestones such as their first Christmas and birthdays in Canada. The support from the community has been tremendous, and we have little doubt we will be able to generate the items needed.

Our Plans

  • Hire one to two full-time Canadian citizens to manage the store, and provide additional settlement support to Ukrainian Nationals

  • Hire two to three full-time and two part-time Ukrainian Newcomers to work in the store, paying at Living Wage Alberta, not minimum wage, because we believe in a better standard of living. https://livingwagealberta.ca/

  • Increasing our hours to provide greater access to our store for shoppers and donors

Investing in Free Store

The investments will show leadership and commitment to the Alberta Ukrainian settlement services and will also provide:

  • Dedicated Service to Ukrainian Newcomers by Canadians

  • Job creation for Ukrainian newcomers at Living Wage, not minimum wage

  • A positive impact on the environment by participating in the Circular economy

  • Continued support for essential items such as clothing and toiletries for Ukrainians in their first year in Canada

  • Creation of a warm and welcoming community

Do you want to get in contact with us?

Please fill out this form and give a detailed description of how you would like to be a part of the Free Store community.