What do perogies, community, and second chances have in common? At Don’ya Ukraine’s Kitchen in Edmonton, everything. Born from a Free Store for Ukrainian newcomers, this heart-filled food venture now employs over 18 newcomers, produces thousands of traditional dishes each week, and empowers refugees on their journey to permanent residency
By Scott Messenger From war-torn Ukraine to Edmonton kitchens, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen is more than a restaurant — it’s a story of survival, community, and entrepreneurship. Co-founded by NAIT grad Jorgia Moore and her mother Janice Krissa, this social enterprise empowers Ukrainian newcomers through food, tradition, and heart. “It’s more
Staff at DON’YA express how the kitchen provides unity, comfort, and healing—a place to rebuild community after fleeing war. A Global News segment highlights DON’YA staff—Ukrainian women who fled war—working and supporting each other in the kitchen. The footage captures both the cooking process and intimate reflections, emphasizing how food
One of Edmonton’s feel-good food stories: a refugee-founded kitchen transitioning from takeout pop-up to warm, sit-down lunch spot serving soul-soothing Ukrainian dishes. Edify Edmonton profiles DON’YA’s evolution from start-up pop-up to full-service lunch café. Founder insights reveal a mission rooted in community support and newcomer opportunity. Signature dishes like borshch,
In a Global News feature, Ukrainian refugee women working at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen reflect on the emotional weight of ceasefire talks, offering a window into the reality of war, resettlement, and resilience in Edmonton. On March 12, 2025, Global News sat down with staff from DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen—a team composed
The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) shines a spotlight on the cultural exchange between longtime Ukrainian Canadians and recent Ukrainian newcomers at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen. The article explores how food can both highlight differences and unite generations. In “A Taste of Home, Away from Home”, ARTA’s Robert Michon visits DON’YA
Jasper’s beloved WickedCup café is partnering with DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen to bring authentic handmade Ukrainian dishes to the Rockies. The collaboration supports courageous Ukrainian women who fled the war and are now rebuilding their lives in Alberta—one perogy at a time. In a heartfelt collaboration between Decore Hotels’ WickedCup and
From humble beginnings as a donation centre, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen has grown into two thriving restaurant locations in Edmonton. Now, they’re setting their sights on Dragons’ Den — and on franchising across North America. DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen, founded by Janice Krissa and her daughter Jorgia Moore, is preparing to pitch
What began as a humble donation centre for Ukrainian newcomers has transformed into a full-fledged culinary venture—and now, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen is headed to the Dragon’s Den to pitch its inspiring story and bold plans for expansion. DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen, an Edmonton-based social enterprise founded to support Ukrainian refugees through
Staff at DON’YA express how the kitchen provides unity, comfort, and healing—a place to rebuild community after fleeing war. A Global News segment highlights DON’YA staff—Ukrainian women who fled war—working
One of Edmonton’s feel-good food stories: a refugee-founded kitchen transitioning from takeout pop-up to warm, sit-down lunch spot serving soul-soothing Ukrainian dishes. Edify Edmonton profiles DON’YA’s evolution from start-up pop-up
In a Global News feature, Ukrainian refugee women working at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen reflect on the emotional weight of ceasefire talks, offering a window into the reality of war, resettlement,
The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) shines a spotlight on the cultural exchange between longtime Ukrainian Canadians and recent Ukrainian newcomers at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen. The article explores how food
Jasper’s beloved WickedCup café is partnering with DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen to bring authentic handmade Ukrainian dishes to the Rockies. The collaboration supports courageous Ukrainian women who fled the war and
From humble beginnings as a donation centre, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen has grown into two thriving restaurant locations in Edmonton. Now, they’re setting their sights on Dragons’ Den — and on
What began as a humble donation centre for Ukrainian newcomers has transformed into a full-fledged culinary venture—and now, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen is headed to the Dragon’s Den to pitch its
What began as a donation centre has grown into a thriving kitchen run by Ukrainian newcomers in Edmonton. Now, DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen is taking its story—and its signature perogies—to national
More Than a Ukrainian Meal – The Mission Behind Every Dish When you dine at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen, you experience more than just authentic Ukrainian food. Every meal supports refugees
A Nation United – Canada’s Ongoing Support for Ukraine At DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen, we’ve seen fi rsthand how powerful community support can be—and Canada continues to show its unwavering support
