Ukrainian Canadian Foundation

FOUNDATION SUPPORTS SUMMER PROGRAMMING
FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

July 31, 2002

Summer is a time to rest, relax and enjoying the company of friends and family. This season represents a time when parents say “good-bye” to their children, for a short period of time, as they drop them off to one of the many camps or workshops held within their community and supported by many of our Ukrainian Canadian community organizations.

Many of us have experienced the care and dedication of those volunteers who give so many hours to prepare the necessary programming material for these activities. Who use their talents in the are of sport, orientation or music in order to provide an experience which all participants will never forget. From these activities, life long friendships have been established and our community has benefited as a result.

The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko (UCFTS) is pleased to provide funding for some of these programs taking place throughout the country. This year will see the Foundation allocate nearly $5,000 of grant money in support of summer community programming. Some of the organization who are benefiting are

Zoloti Struny Badura Kapela – Bandura Summer Workshop

Under the leadership of Lesia Huzar, of Pickering, Ontario, this summer bandura program has become a recognized growth point, not only for this ensemble, but for the community at large. First started in 1997, as part of a Ukrainian school program, the ensemble has grown to over 30 students and is under the direction of Vera Zelinska.

This camp provides group learning as well as individual instruction. As a result, each student will practice approximately 6 hours per day, including one hour of vocal training. The camp concludes with a concert, with many relieved participants and proud parents sitting in the audience.

Veselka Ukrainian Orthodox Camp

Located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Veselka Ukrainian Orthodox Camp is one of the main stays within the Winnipeg Ukrainian community. While dedicated to fostering growth in the Orthodox faith, the community also develops programming which allows youth of all ages to develop their culture, language and traditions. The dedicated staff of the camp provides a full slate of activities which include: religion, sports, arts and crafts, folk dancing, and singing/drama.

Social events are also a main source of interaction and as a result of the solid working relationship between Veselka and the youth organizations of Plast and SUM, a gathering for all three camps is facilitated throughout the course of the campers stay. At the conclusion of these two intensive weeks, parents and youth leave the grounds anticipating when they can return to see friends and enjoy the activities provided at the camp.

Ukrainian Youth Association – Summer Camp Program 2002

Just a short drive north of Gimli, Manitoba, you will find the picturesque surroundings of Ukrainian Park. As you arrive at the main gates you see the dedicated parents, volunteers and participants of the youth organization SUM preparing for camp.

The SUM summer camp program continues to build, and is an extension of, the yearly programming provided by the organization. In order to ensure that high programming standards are maintained, a Camp Committee is established by the local Board of Directors. These volunteers develop and organize all aspects of the activities for each summer’s camp.

Through this summer experience the organization is fostering a better understanding of the Ukrainian culture and traditions of our community. In addition, programming areas also include orientation, environmental education, arts, singing, and sports safety.

St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg – “Mini College”

Driving by any University during the summer one is left with the impression that all is quiet; hallways empty; and, staff enjoying the summer and slowly preparing for the arrival of student in the fall. Well, that is not the case at St. Andrew’s College.

Summer sees the arrival of children between the ages of 6 – 12 years of age, energetically taking over the institution. Participants in this program obtain the basic Ukrainian language enrichment and are encouraged to use and develop these skills in a summer day school environment through exposure to and participation in various Ukrainian cultural forms of expression.

This two week program is open to all students of the Bilingual and Ridni Skoly educational systems and is supported by the Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education.

The UCFTS was incorporated under an Act of Parliament in 1963, and has grown to nearly $7 million. The Foundation supports projects throughout the country that will enhance the Ukrainian Canadian community. Since 1964-65, the Foundation has provided nearly $4.5 million dollars in support for the work of the community.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Lesia Szwaluk
Executive Director
UCFTS
(204) 942-4627
lesia@shevchenkofoundation.ca

2008

MAY 28, 2008 – Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko President Andrew Hladyshevsky, Q.C. Received the Order of Merit From President of Ukraine

MAY 9, 2008 – Government of Canada Establishes Historic Endowment Fund With the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko

MARCH 7, 2008 – Janice Kulyk Keefer Named Recipient of $25,000 Kobzar Literary Award for 2008

2007

MAY 8, 2007 – Victor Malarek Investigative Journalist Recipient of 2007 Syrnick Journalism Award

2006

MARCH 2, 2006 MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT: KOBZAR LITERARY AWARD 2006 RECIPIENT (PDF)

FEBRUARY 27, 2006 MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT: KOBZAR™ LITERARY AWARD 2006 GALA (PDF)

JANUARY 16, 2006 MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT: KOBZAR™ LITERARY AWARD 2006 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT (PDF)

2005

ORANGE REVOLUTION COVERAGE WINS NEW JOURNALISM AWARD

SHEVCHENKO FOUNDATION FINDS NEW HOME

2004