What began as a community response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine started as a small donation centre supporting Ukrainian newcomers. People were arriving with just one suitcase — and we were there to help with the essentials. We supported approximately 20,000 newcomers from 2022 to 2024. Soon, those who once received help returned to volunteer, cook, and share their traditions. Their spirit became the heart of DON’YA.
By 2023, with the support of local partners — including First Nation Chef Matthew Potts, who opened the doors of his kitchen to our team — we launched our first pop-up. Canadians quickly fell in love with our handmade varenyky (perogies), holubtsi, and borshch, each dish crafted by newcomers rebuilding their lives in Canada.