From Ukraine with Love:
Our Journey of Food, Unity, and Hope
Our story began with a simple idea – helping Ukrainian newcomer. Thay came to Canada to escape a difficult situation back home. We started by giving them things they needed for their new lives.
But something amazing happened. The newcomers would come in as shoppers and then would return as volunteers every week. We got to know them and realized they had so much to offer. They asked us if they could share their recipes and food with the Canadian donors who helped them so much.
So, we decided to cook and share traditional Ukrainian dishes. And guess what? People loved it! In just one day, we sold lots thousands of tasty varenyky (perogies), cabbage rolls, and borshch. Thanks to First Nation Chef Matthew Potts. He welcomed us to his Kitchen at Cook County Saloon in January 2023 We had the opportunity to share the modern Ukrainian flavours with Canadians.
We then met an angel, a knight in shining armour, a philanthropist, and a brilliant businessman who values the free enterprise world, Scott Kelly. Scott built us a Kitchen and boy did they come. That was in June 2023 and we’ve continued to grow every month since.
We're proud to say we're the first Ukrainian Kitchen in Canada, run entirely by people who left Ukraine because of the war. Our goal is simple: we want to share Ukrainian food with Canadians and help our newcomers become part of their new home.
Our journey is all about working together, trying new things, and showing that Ukrainian food can bring people closer, no matter where they come from. And with every dish we make, we're writing a chapter in this story of unity and hope. We are excited to continue to grow and expand and share peace through perogies with you.
DON'YA UKRAINE'S KITCHEN
TEAM
"Meet our team: more than just colleagues, we are a family. We support one another, craft beautiful dishes, and celebrate authentic flavors. Through food, we bring peace and foster community, sharing our passion with every bite. Each member brings their unique palette, perspective, and personality, making our kitchen as diverse and vibrant as the dishes we create."
Janice Krissa
Co-Founder & CEO
Jorgia Moore
Co-Founder & CEO
Nataliia Vynohradova
Kitchen Manager
Angelina Shkykava
Inventory Manager
Anna Kachmar
Creative Director
Mariia Kushakova
Graphic & Web Designer
Mariia Tymchyna
Cook
Elia Brusevych
Quality Control
Brad Smoliak
Mentor Chef
DON'YA UKRAINE'S KITCHEN
Recognitions
Square 50 Most Impactful Companies Worldwide
Tomato Top 100 Best Food & Drink 2024 - Carpathian Cabbage Rolls
SAIT Distinguished Alumni Award 2023 - Janice Krissa
Edify Emerging Leader 2025 - Jorgia Moore
CFR Chili Cookoff - Third Place for Chili Filled Perogies
