СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ · Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio
WE SHIP
WHAT UKRAINE
ACTUALLY NEEDS
Tourniquets and blood-clotting bandages, procured to NATO standards and shipped to Dr. Viktor Panfilov in Kremenets, who gets them to the medics who carry them to the front lines. Forty-three years of Ukrainian community in Ohio; four years of relief work at full tilt.
- $38,131IN SUPPLIES SHIPPED IN 2026
- 500CAT TOURNIQUETS SHIPPED IN 2026
- 100%TO SUPPLIES, NOT OVERHEAD
- 1983FOUNDED IN COLUMBUS
OUR IMPACT
Read the 2025-26 Annual Report →SEPTEMBER 2025 TO JUNE 2026
By the numbers
A year in events →
FALL 2025 · ADVOCACY
Meetings on the Hill
Fewer rallies this year, more targeted work. Members urged Ukraine supporters to call and email their Representatives and joined advocacy summits in D.C., working through the American Coalition for Ukraine, the UCCA, and Community for Ukraine.
SEP 2025 · COMMUNITY
An Oral History Project
With the Westerville Library, UCAO recorded how Ukrainian families found their way to the area. Author Megan Buskey also spoke about researching her own Ukrainian genealogy. Thanks to Megan Chawansky and Marta Mudri.
FALL 2025 · WORKSHOP
Petrykivka Painting
Kateryna Gurnee led another workshop in Petrykivka, the traditional Ukrainian folk painting on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
NOV 2025 · REMEMBRANCE
Remembering the Holodomor
Each November we remember the Holodomor, the famine-genocide that killed millions of Ukrainians in the winter of 1932 to 1933. With Heer to Serve, UCAO served hot meals to unsheltered neighbors in South Columbus.
SEP 2025 · GATHERING
Vyshyvanka Day & the Picnic
Picnics keep the Central Ohio community together with food, raffles, and merchandise sales that fund more medical supplies, and a warm welcome for new members.
JAN 2026 · CELEBRATION
Malanka
A lively skit, singing by Stephanie Durant, piano by Olena Mladenova, and bandura by Dr. Taras Mahlay and his son Andriy. The raffle, silent auction, and dessert buffet raised money for frontline medical supplies.
FEB 2026 · ANNIVERSARY
Four Years of War
To mark four years of full-scale war, the community gathered for music, prayer, and advocacy. Thanks to the performers, to Fr. Robert Jager and St. John Chrysostom, and to Mayor Ginther for the City’s continued support.
FEB 2026 · RECOGNITION
The Mayor’s Proclamation
UCAO and the Cleveland Maidan Association met Mayor Ginther, who issued a proclamation marking the fourth year of Ukraine’s resistance and twelve years of hybrid war. Thanks to the Mayor and Director of International Affairs Mike Schadek.
SPRING 2026 · TRADITION
Pysanka, Egg by Egg
Marta Mudri and a team of volunteers led the spring pysanka workshops, teaching the wax-resist method behind Ukraine’s decorated eggs. Marta advises the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland and has made pysanky her whole life.
YEAR-ROUND · RUN/WALK
Active for Ukraine
Run and walk events mark the days that matter: honoring the Ukrainian language and those who died for it, and the defenders holding the line. They raise awareness and keep members connected.
YEAR-ROUND · MARKETS
Pop-Up Shops
Iryna Soltys-Petrowsky and Regina Pekurovska ran seasonal craft sales across Columbus, from Henmick Brewery to Bethel United Methodist Church and St. John Chrysostom, plus a booth at the community picnics.
YEAR-ROUND · RELIEF
Tourniquets to the Front
UCAO sources medical supplies at a discount here in the U.S. for Dr. Viktor Panfilov and his volunteers, who pack Individual First Aid Kits for the front lines. This year that came to $39,331 in aid.
UCAO Humanitarian Support for Ukraine
Your gift leaves Columbus as a box and arrives as a tourniquet
100% of relief donations go to purchasing and shipping supplies. Nothing is deducted for overhead. UCAO has run on volunteer hands since 1983.
- $25One tourniquet, delivered to a frontline medic
- $150Save 6 lives
- $500Save 20 lives
UCAO is a registered 501(c)(3). Your gift is tax-deductible.
Also accepting Zelle, checks, and employer matching.
Join Us!
Membership dues cover two picnics a year, St. Nicholas gifts for children, and the newsletter.
Become a member →