A Lifeline for Displaced Ukrainians

In March 2022, as the world watched in horror at the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, a group of Albertans, including former Premier Ed Stelmach and former MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, took action. Their mission was clear: provide immediate humanitarian aid to those fleeing the devastation of war.

A Plane Full of Hope

Recognizing the urgent need for supplies and safe passage, Stelmach and Lukaszuk spearheaded an initiative to fill a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with emergency aid and transport displaced Ukrainians to Alberta. The aircraft, generously provided by LOT Polish Airlines, was originally scheduled to arrive in Edmonton empty, but thanks to swift coordination, it became a vessel of hope—bringing refugees to safety and returning with essential supplies for those still in Ukraine.

Mobilizing a Community

The effort was a testament to Alberta’s deep-rooted ties with Ukraine. Volunteers and donors rallied behind the cause, collecting medical equipment, personal care items, survival gear, and first aid supplies. The Canadian Polish Historical Society played a crucial role in organizing donations, while Shell Canada contributed 50 tonnes of aviation fuel to ensure the flight could make its transatlantic journey.

The Volunteers Who Made It Happen

This initiative was powered by a diverse group of volunteers, each bringing their own expertise and passion to the mission. Among them was Dennis Scraba, a former schoolmate of Ed Stelmach, who worked tirelessly to support the relief efforts. Scraba, alongside other volunteers, helped coordinate logistics, gather supplies, and ensure that the arriving refugees had the resources they needed to begin their new lives in Alberta.

The volunteer network extended beyond political figures and community leaders. Local businesses, faith groups, and grassroots organizations stepped up to contribute funds, supplies, and manpower. Edmonton’s Polish Hall became a hub for donations, where volunteers sorted and packed essential items bound for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council also played a vital role in welcoming refugees and connecting them with local sponsors.

The Ukrainians Who Arrived in Alberta

On March 28, 2022, the Dreamliner touched down at Edmonton International Airport, carrying more than 60 Ukrainians fleeing the war. As they stepped into their new reality, they were met with cheers, embraces, and the unwavering support of local sponsors and families. Many of the arrivals had relatives in Alberta and Saskatchewan, ready to help them rebuild their lives.

For many of these displaced individuals, the journey was filled with uncertainty. Some arrived exhausted and emotional, having left behind loved ones and homes in Ukraine. Others faced language barriers and the daunting task of starting over in a new country. However, the warm reception they received in Alberta helped ease their transition, offering them a sense of belonging and hope.

The Role of the Polish Community in Supporting Ukrainians

Poland played a crucial role in assisting displaced Ukrainians, both in Europe and abroad. The Polish government and citizens mobilized quickly to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to the millions of Ukrainians who crossed into Poland seeking refuge. Polish organizations worked tirelessly to ensure that those fleeing the war had access to essential services and support.

In Canada, the Canadian Polish Historical Society was instrumental in organizing the humanitarian flight, ensuring that both aid and refugees could be transported safely. LOT Polish Airlines, led by CEO Rafał Milczarski, provided the aircraft, while Polish volunteers helped coordinate logistics and donations. Their efforts demonstrated the deep historical and cultural ties between Poland and Ukraine, reinforcing a shared commitment to humanitarian aid.

Additional Shipments of Aid to Ukraine

Beyond the humanitarian flight, the group continued their efforts to send aid to Ukraine. Through the Ed Stelmach Community Foundation, additional shipments of medical supplies, survival gear, and essential goods were coordinated and sent to Ukraine. The foundation worked closely with local groups to ensure that donations reached those in need efficiently.

In Edmonton, donation drives continued at Polish Hall, where volunteers gathered supplies for subsequent shipments. The generosity of Albertans resulted in millions of dollars’ worth of aid, including surgical equipment, firefighting gear, search and rescue tools, and personal care products. Some of these supplies were transported by air, while others were shipped by sea to ensure sustained support for Ukrainians affected by the war.

The Flight from Ukraine to Canada

The journey from Ukraine to Canada was a complex operation, requiring coordination between multiple organizations. The displaced Ukrainians traveled through Poland, where they were assisted by humanitarian groups before boarding the LOT Polish Airlines flight to Edmonton. The Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, a partnership between Miles4Migrants, Air Canada, and the Shapiro Foundation, also played a role in helping Ukrainians secure flights to Canada.

The Government of Canada arranged additional charter flights from Poland to cities such as Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax, ensuring that displaced Ukrainians had safe passage to Canada. These flights were part of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, which provided temporary safe haven for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

More Than Just Aid—A Statement of Solidarity

For Stelmach, Alberta’s first premier of Ukrainian descent, this initiative was deeply personal. His involvement underscored the province’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in its darkest hour. Lukaszuk, himself a former refugee, understood firsthand the emotional toll of displacement and was determined to provide more than just supplies—he wanted to offer dignity, security, and a fresh start.

The Legacy of Alberta’s Efforts

The humanitarian flight was just one chapter in Alberta’s ongoing support for Ukraine. The province continued to welcome displaced families, raise funds, and advocate for sustained international assistance. Additional shipments of medical supplies, protective equipment, and food continued to be organized in coordination with local Ukrainian and Polish community leaders, ensuring that aid reached those most in need.
The initiative demonstrated that in times of crisis, compassion and action can transcend borders. Through the dedication of former Premier Ed Stelmach, Thomas Lukaszuk, and a vast network of volunteers, Alberta stood as a beacon of hope for displaced Ukrainians, reaffirming the province’s enduring commitment to humanitarian relief.