Fundraiser rolls out to support youth sport in Ukrainian Friendship City
Administrator | Jul 12, 2026 | Comments 0
Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group members with Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette and Mayor Steve Ferguson posing with a photograph of the delegation of Ukrainians that came to visit the County in 2019.
Prince Edward County is getting its Friendship City ball rolling with the launch of a fundraising project supporting youth sport with Krasyliv, Ukraine.
“At its heart, a Friendship City relationship is a community-focused partnership,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “It is about building connections, sharing ideas, and promoting our communities.”
The Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group recently hosted a project and fundraising launch event at The Andrew in Picton where the working group detailed plans to raise funds to purchase 200 soccer balls for elementary schools in Krasyliv.
“Soccer balls may seem simple, but they are a low-cost tool that can have a real and meaningful impact,” said Ferguson. “Access to soccer balls supports mental and physical health, encourages social inclusion, and helps children build important life skills.”
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, County council passed a resolution directing staff to investigate the establishment of a twin-city relationship with a community in Ukraine. Council stated its desire to forge a partnership with a community of comparable size that had a connection to the delegation of Ukrainians that came to visit Prince Edward County in 2019.
Staff identified Krasyliv Territorial Community (Krasyliv) as the potential partner for a friendship city relationship that met the criteria. After several discussions, the County and Krasyliv entered into a formal Friendship City agreement in September 2025.
Tha fall, the Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group organized a community Christmas Card campaign where County residents were invited to sign locally-designed cards and add messages of support. In total, 492 handwritten cards were sent to schools in Krasyliv in time for the 2025 holiday season.
The working group has continued to build on this connection through initiatives. During a conversation with Mayor Nila Ostrovska, members asked how Prince Edward County could offer support in a meaningful way. One request stood out: sports equipment for local children.
“During the most difficult time in Ukraine’s history, we have felt the support of the Canadian people, and its value cannot be overstated. Thank you for your solidarity, your compassion, and your willingness to stand with us,” Mayor Ostrovska said in a Canada Day message to the working group. “It is during times of hardship that true friendship is born, and we sincerely appreciate having such friends.”
During the recent fundraising launch event, the working group accepted donations from the Rotary Club of Picton, Councillor Bill Roberts, and the 4H Sport and Nutrition Club.
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