Empowering Our Community Together
Supporting the Russian-speaking community in Canada
About Us
Our Mission and Values
The mission of IKRA (International Canadian Russian Association) is to build bridges between diverse Canadian and Russian speaking groups by promoting intercultural exchange, supporting diaspora communities and encouraging initiatives in the field of education, immigration, social services, arts, cultural events and celebrations as well as business development support.
IKRA is committed to creating opportunities for networking, cultural celebrations and meaningful engagement, while upholding the values of peace, respect and shared human dignity.
Board & Staff
The Board of Directors of IKRA:
- Olga Zavidovskiy
- Daniel Goutovets
- Maryana Valtseva
- Irina Maimust
Staff:
- Adel Yakoubov
- Lidia Tichina
News and Announcements
Publications
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Publication in Neighbour Media
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Publication in Toronto Express
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
IKRA & Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Certificate by Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Certificate by Town of Aurora
Family Fest
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Meet & Greet
Publication in Newmarket Today
Meet & Greet
Grand Opening of Babushka Seniors Club
Meet & Greet
Appreciation by Southlake Health Foundation
All the funds raised at the Meet & Greet Community Event organized by IKRA and generously sponsored by Angela’s Deli — a total of $1500 — have been donated to Southlake Hospital 🏥!
Meet & Greet
Meet & Greet
Meet & Greet
Publication in Neighbour Media
Photo Gallery: Our community in action
Video Gallery
Eurasia Fest 2026
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Location: Ray Twinney Recreation Complex - Parking Lot, 100 Eagle St W, Newmarket
Brief description:
A vibrant multicultural festival celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, music, dance, food, and community spirit of Eurasia. The event brings people together to enjoy live performances, local vendors, cultural activities, traditional food, and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Marina Sarkisova's Concert
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 12 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket
Brief description:
A beautiful musical performance by Marina Sarkisova, featuring romantic songs and beloved hits by Alla Pugacheva.
Maslenitsa Celebration - Blini Party
Date: February 22, 2026
Time: 12-4 pm
Location: Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place, 474 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON
Brief description:
A joyful celebration of Maslenitsa featuring traditional music, dancing, performances, delicious blini, and the warm spirit of Russian-speaking culture and community. A wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate traditions, and enjoy time with friends and family.
Pre-New Year Gathering at the “Golden Age” Seniors Club
Date: December 29, 2025
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket
Brief description:
A warm and joyful pre-New Year gathering of our Golden Age Seniors Club members. Activities include a New Year decoration workshop with Maryana Valtseva, an award winning movie screening with Evgenii Kleimenov, and New Year wishes from Ded Moroz & Snegurochka.
Nikolay Polonskyy’s Concert
Date: November 1, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Residences on Yonge, 15520 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON
Brief description:
A special musical performance by Nikolay Polonskyy, a singer and poet, bringing an afternoon of music, poetry, and warm community spirit to our Golden Age Seniors Club.
Family Fest
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: 12:00–4:00 PM
Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, ON
Brief Description:
A free public community event bringing Russian-speaking Canadian families together for an afternoon of fun, connection, and cultural celebration. Families enjoyed activities for children, refreshments, music, and a welcoming outdoor atmosphere at Fairy Lake Park, with local community leaders joining the celebration.
Meet & Greet Event
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 12:00–4:00 PM
Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, ON
Brief Description:
IKRA’s first community Meet & Greet brought together Russian-speaking residents of Newmarket, Aurora, and surrounding communities for a family-friendly afternoon of socializing, networking, and getting to know one another. The event featured music, refreshments, community connections, and an introduction to IKRA and its mission to build a welcoming, connected community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
03/14/2027 - Maslenitsa Celebration
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket, ON
Description: Join us for a this beloved traditional Slavic festival celebrating the arrival of spring! Enjoy live music, cultural performances, delicious blini, and a joyful afternoon filled with traditions, friendship, and community spirit. .
09/19/2026 - Culture days
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Avenue, Newmarket, ON
Description: Join us for a celebration of culture and community at the Newmarket Public Library, bringing together to discover different traditions, arts, and cultural experiences. IKRA will participate as a vendor, showcasing Russian-speaking culture, traditions, and community connections.
09/18/2026 - Taste of Neighbourhood
Date: September 18, 2026
Time: 3 pm – 6 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6 (South of Mulock Drive)
Description: Join us for a vibrant multicultural celebration organized by the Welcome Centre, bringing together local communities through food, music, culture, and traditions from around the world. IKRA will proudly represent Europe, sharing European cultural traditions, music, and delicious treats with the community.
09/2026 - "Golden Age" Seniors Club
Date: September, 2026 – Present
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6 (South of Mulock Drive)
Description: Join Golden Age Seniors Club (60+) for our regular weekly gatherings in a warm and welcoming environment – practice English in a supportive setting, connect & socialize, engage in cultural and educational activities, attend tours/excursions and art workshops, etc.
Meeting Schedule
- September 04 — Friday
- September 11 — Friday
- September 16 — Wednesday
- September 23 — Wednesday
- October 01 — Thursday
- October 09 — Friday
- October 16 — Friday
- October 23 — Friday
- October 30 — Friday
- November 06 — Friday
- November 13 — Friday
- November 20 — Friday
- November 27 — Friday
- December 04 — Friday
- December 10 — Thursday
- December 18 — Friday
- December 24 — Thursday
08/29/2026 - Eurasia Fest 2026
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 11 am – 5 pm (Full-day event)
Location: Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, Parking Lot, Newmarket, ON
Description: Join us for a family-friendly outdoor event Eurasia Fest that brings together cultures from across Europe and Asia through music, dance, food, and community engagement.
Our goal is to foster connection, celebrate cultural heritage, and create a welcoming space where communities can share their traditions and stories with a broader audience.
06/07/2026 - Aurora Street Festival
Date: June 7, 2026
Time: 11 am – 5 pm (Full-day event)
Location: Yonge Street (between Wellington Street & Murray Drive), Aurora
Description: Join us for York Region’s largest community event — the Aurora Chamber Street Festival!
This vibrant, family-friendly festival takes over Yonge Street with more than 500 vendors, offering an exciting mix of shopping, food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Enjoy fantastic street performers, live music, and a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
The street is closed to traffic, creating a safe and welcoming space for visitors to explore, connect, and celebrate the community together.
Admission and parking are free. The event takes place rain or shine — come out and be part of this unforgettable experience!
06/05/2026 - Seniors Expo
Date: June 5, 2026
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket
Description: Join us for the Seniors Expo, a community-focused event organized by MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy.
This event brings together local organizations, services, and resources dedicated to supporting seniors in our community. It’s a great opportunity to learn about programs, connect with service providers, and discover new ways to stay active, informed, and engaged.
Come and explore what your community has to offer in a welcoming and informative environment.
03/2026 - "Golden Age" Seniors Club
Date: March, 2026 – Present
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6 (South of Mulock Drive)
Conference Room WCN (Jasper, Alberta)
Description: Join Golden Age Seniors Club (60+) for our regular weekly gatherings in a warm and welcoming environment – practice English in a supportive setting, connect & socialize, engage in cultural and educational activities, attend tours/excursions and art workshops, etc.
Meeting Schedule
- March 6, 2026 — Friday
- March 12, 2026 — Thursday
- March 20, 2026 — Friday
- March 26, 2026 — Thursday
- April 1 — Wednesday
- April 9 — Thursday
- April 17 — Friday
- April 23 — Thursday
- May 1 — Friday
- May 8 — Friday
- May 15 — Friday
- May 21 — Thursday
- May 29 — Friday
- June 5 — Friday
- June 10 — Wednesday
- June 25 — Thursday
PAST EVENTS
03/20/2026 - Marina Sarkisova's Concert
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6
Description: Join us for a warm and uplifting afternoon filled with music, laughter, and community spirit.
Enjoy a light and joyful start with Dmitry Bank, whose contagious laughter sets the tone for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The program continues with a beautiful concert by Marina Sarkisova, featuring romantic songs and beloved pieces from Alla Pugacheva’s repertoire.
03/15/2026 - Community Meet & Greet – Ward 7
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Location: Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, Newmarket, ON
Description: Join us for a fun and welcoming Community Meet & Greet hosted by Ward 7 Councillor Christina Bisanz.
Enjoy a lively afternoon with activities for all ages, including free skating, hot chocolate, cotton candy, and henna tattoos. Local cultural, sports, and community organizations will also be present to share information about programs and opportunities available to residents.
03/2026 - "Golden Age" Seniors Club
Date: March, 2026 – Present
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6 (South of Mulock Drive)
Conference Room WCN (Jasper, Alberta)
Description: Join Golden Age Seniors Club (60+) for our regular weekly gatherings in a warm and welcoming environment – practice English in a supportive setting, connect & socialize, engage in cultural and educational activities, attend tours/excursions and art workshops, etc.
Meeting Schedule
- March 6, 2026 — Friday
- March 12, 2026 — Thursday
- March 20, 2026 — Friday
- March 26, 2026 — Thursday
- April 1 — Wednesday
- April 9 — Thursday
- April 17 — Friday
- April 23 — Thursday
- May 1 — Friday
- May 8 — Friday
- May 15 — Friday
- May 21 — Thursday
- May 29 — Friday
- June 5 — Friday
- June 10 — Wednesday
- June 25 — Thursday
02/22/2026 - Blini Party - Maslenitsa
Date: February 22, 2026
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Drive, Hall 3, Newmarket
Description: Join us for a joyful Maslenitsa Celebration as we welcome the arrival of spring with warmth, traditions, and community spirit.
Guests will enjoy delicious blini with a variety of toppings, hot drinks, festive decorations, music, and a lively atmosphere. The program includes traditional circle dances, cultural elements, and friendly socializing for all ages.
This celebration is open to everyone — bring your family and friends and experience the joy of this beautiful holiday together!
12/29/2025 - Pre-New Year Gathering
Date: December 29, 2025
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6
Description: A warm and joyful pre-New Year gathering of our Golden Age Seniors Club members. Join us for a New Year decoration workshop with Maryana Valtseva, an award winning movie screening with Evgenii Kleimenov, and New Year wishes from Ded Moroz & Snegurochka.
12/22/2025 - Pre-Christmas IKRA Lunch
Date: December 22, 2025
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Newmarket
16655 Yonge Street, Unit #26, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6
Description: A warm and festive pre-Christmas gathering of our community and the Golden Age Seniors Club. Join us for a Tai Chi & laughter therapy with Dmitriy Bank, an interactive healthcare quiz with Adele Yakubov, and delicious holiday treats provided by Angela’s Deli.
11/01/2025 - Seminar "Social Media for Personal Branding"
Date: November 1, 2025
Time: 1 pm
Location: Residences on Yonge, 15520 Yonge Street, Aurora
Description: Join our seminar on Social Media for Personal Branding with guest speaker Natalia Bakumenko (Ad Astra Marketing). Learn how to build and grow your personal brand, stand out in a competitive market, and discover new opportunities for growth. Expect practical tips, real-life insights, and easy-to-follow strategies you can start using right away.
09/25/2025 - "Golden Age" (former "Babushka") Seniors Club weekly meetings
Date: September 25, 2025
Time: 11 am – 3 pm (every Thursday)
Location: Residences on Yonge, 15520 Yonge Street, Aurora
Description: Join our weekly seniors club meetings for engaging activities and meaningful connections. Enjoy English classes, art workshops, discussions, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
09/21/2025 - "Babushka" Seniors Club Grand Opening
Date: September 21, 2025
Time: 12 pm – 3 pm
Location: Residences on Yonge, 15520 Yonge Street, Aurora
Description: Join us for the Grand Opening of the first Russian-speaking seniors club in the area! A warm and welcoming space for connection, community engagement, and meaningful activities (English classes, information sessions, art workshops, concerts, tours, etc.)
07/18/2025 Homemade Ice Cream Workshop
Date: July 18, 2025
Time: 5 pm
Location: Newmarket
Description: Join us for the tastiest workshop of the summer! Create your own homemade ice cream using simple ingredients and your favourite flavors.
Enjoy a fun, hands-on experience, meet new friends, and of course – taste your delicious creations!
07/12/2025 Family Fest
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket
Description: A fun-filled summer festival for the whole family!
Enjoy art workshops, kids' games, live dance performances, tasty refreshments, music, prizes, and outdoor activities for all ages.
05/10/2025 Meet and Greet
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket
Description: Join us for the first official meeting of all the members of Russian-speaking community in Newmarket-Aurora and surrounding areas. Music, food, fun!
Contact Us
Ikra Community
Stay in Touch
Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!
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