Now in its fifth year, the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival (CSF) is once again poised to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to its awe-inspiring fields, where almost 50 varieties of sunflowers – as well as an array of dahlias, gladiolas, zinnias and cosmos – bloom across 12 acres of sweeping fields.
Having recognized that the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine as well as a worldwide symbol of hope and unity – and eager to lend support to the citizens impacted by the conflict in Ukraine – the organizers of the CSF will be hosting a special fundraiser on Thursday, August 25.
On that day, all ticket sales will be donated to H.E.R.O (Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations) Society (herosociety.ca), a registered not-for-profit society in Canada and a registered charity in Ukraine.
H.E.R.O is 100% volunteer-operated, existing to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief and emergency response support worldwide.
Funds raised will support H.E.R.O’s ongoing operations in both Ukraine and British Columbia.
The multidisciplinary team in Ukraine is composed of both Canadian and Ukrainian volunteers whose main focus is logistical support and transportation of humanitarian aid.
The BC team focuses on securing high-value medical equipment through private donors and surplus equipment.
Their current mission involves sending a shipping container filled with hospital beds, linens, medical equipment, and supplies to eastern Ukraine.
Support will also be raised for ongoing projects with the Maple Hope Foundation, a registered Canadian non-profit raising funds to support Ukraine.
As well as exploring the fields of flowers, CSF attendees on August 25 will be treated to live music and entertainment. And there will be four food trucks onsite that day, including Old Country Pierogi.
In a gesture of solidarity with the many volunteer groups in Ukraine, there will also be a letter-writing table where everyone is welcome to compose a note of support that will be given to those on the front lines in Ukraine.
Additionally, an area beside the CSF field-side store will be set up to help construct camouflage netting (mirroring an activity that has been taking place in Ukraine).
The netting will be sent to Ukraine and used to protect humanitarian vehicles.
Ukrainian Day at the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival
Thursday, August 25
10am – 6pm
The fields are located at 41310 Royalwood Dr, just off Highway 1.
Parking is free.
Tickets are available online only. For complete details, including ticket pricing and purchasing, visit chilliwacksunflowerfest.com.