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Ukrainian living in Kelowna cycles former Okanagan Granfondo route to raise bread money

When war forced Bohdan Chekerenda and his family to leave Ukraine in 2022, he turned to the one thing that steadies him: his bike. Last weekend the Kelowna resident rode the 150-kilometre former Penticton Granfondo route to raise money for Peremoha (Victory) Bread, a Ukrainian charity delivering loaves to families facing food insecurity - for the third year in a row.

Ukrainian living in Kelowna cycles former Okanagan Granfondo route to raise bread money

Chekerenda’s ride is a personal act of solidarity and a focused fundraiser. Every kilometre was ridden to collect donations through CanadaHelps under the charitable direction of the Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation (O4U). Funds raised will be used exclusively to support food-security efforts in Ukraine, including Victory Bread’s ingredient purchases and infrastructure needs. Victory Bread has produced and delivered more than 2.5 million loaves since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with each loaf costing 60 cents and distributed free to recipients via NovaPoshta.

“This ride is a small way to turn memories of loss into something that feeds people today,” Chekerenda said, “Every pedal stroke reminds me that people in Ukraine are enduring far greater hardships. If my ride inspires even one more person to donate — to feed someone and give them hope — then it’s worth every kilometre.”

O4U, which supports community-led initiatives aiding Ukraine, coordinated the fundraising channel to ensure transparency and direct impact. “Food security remains one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges in Ukraine,” said Dr. Kate Woodman of O4U. “Bohdan’s ride shows how one person’s determination can spark generosity across an entire community — turning compassion into bread and hope.”

This marks Chekerenda’s third year cycling to raise funds for humanitarian causes linked to Ukraine, building on local support networks and growing donor momentum.

The ride also highlights the role of small, targeted efforts in larger humanitarian responses. By focusing on a tangible item — the bread loaf — donors can see how modest amounts multiply into direct assistance. At a cost of just 60 cents per loaf, even small contributions help expand delivery reach and sustain the bakeries and logistics that keep food flowing to vulnerable families across conflict-affected regions.

Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation (O4U) is a registered charitable organization that supports humanitarian, medical, and recovery efforts in Ukraine through community fundraising and partnerships. Under O4U’s charitable direction and control, donations collected for specific projects are used exclusively for their stated purposes, ensuring funds reach the people and programs they are intended to help.

Peremoha (Victory) Bread is a Ukrainian humanitarian bakery initiative that has produced and delivered millions of loaves to families affected by the conflict. Working with local logistics partners including NovaPoshta, Victory Bread provides bread free of charge to those in need.

 
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