There are not many organizations to which an individual can belong in their lifetime where they can truly say without hesitation that their organization is assisting with the development of culture in the present as well as the love of culture through their children over future generations. The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko (UCFTS) is such an organization. We initiate creative life in the visual, literal and performing arts, making a distinct difference to individual performers and artists over a number of generations. We assist in increasing the scholarly contribution of an entire community which is shared with fellow Canadians in all walks of life. We sustain and assist the development of a more comprehensive and well-developed understanding of the history of Ukrainian Canadians while allowing this to be exposed to multiple generations of Canadians overall. I have the privilege of being the lead volunteer and it is my privilege to provide these greetings in connection with our 2011 Annual Report. All of these values are shared by our most dearest and ardent supporters and donors whose continued assistance and support are deeply appreciated. You have my most humble expression of gratitude for your unselfishness and far-reaching vision.
This past year has seen me actively travelling the country to a few dozen events either as a participant or audience member or to provide support to the activities of the Shevchenko Foundation's granting recipients. In all of these centres and activities, be they in large cities or smaller towns, I have come into contact with not only the past leaders of our community to whom we are eternally grateful but also with the future generations of young leaders who are honing their expertise to take over all aspects of leadership in our Ukrainian Canadian community. On countless occasions these leaders, both young and old, have expressed their gratitude to the UCFTS for providing financial commitment in their sphere of activity.
To meet the ever rising expectations of the Ukrainian Canadian community, our beloved Shevchenko Foundation requires sound financial management and stewardship which we have received from the Investment Committee of the Foundation and through the stellar leadership of Mr. Wallace Shoemay. The constant challenge of providing sufficient grants to maintain existing projects is a major source of the work of the President of the UCFTS and as well all of our staff and our volunteers. Many of you have expressed your gratitude to the Executive Director of the Foundation, Ms. Lesia Szwaluk, who has provided several generations of commitment to the Ukrainian Canadian community and has, in her work as Executive Director, initiated and assisted in developing many exciting projects that are changing the face of the Foundation and adding to its vibrancy.
The limitless creativity in the Ukrainian Canadian community needs to be supported and encouraged but projects that are undertaken by this creativity are limited by the financial resources that can be given to them. It is the goal of each director of the Foundation to ensure that these limits are removed. I want to specifically thank outgoing Board members Dr. Oleh Gerus and Thomas Bodie for their work in the Foundation and to welcome new Board members Eugene Roman and Ernest Paluck for continuing the work in making the Foundation the premier foundation in Canada that we strive for it to be. The Shevchenko Foundation has earned a well-deserved reputation and respect from all levels of government and from other foundations which operate in the cultural activities of Canada and abroad. These governments and foundations understand that the promotion and expansion of the cultural output of Ukrainian Canadians has largely been accomplished by our own efforts. This self sustaining enthusiasm has made the Ukrainian Canadian community a beacon and role model for all communities that wish to maintain their cultural identity and sense of cultural purpose in a dynamic Canada. The Foundation has participated in many successes in hundreds of projects but in my view, given the breadth and dynamism that exists in the Ukrainian Canadian community, its best days lie ahead.
God bless all of you for assisting the UCFTS in all of its objectives and its mission in Canada and I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can over the course of the next year as each of us continue to enjoy the unending pleasure and spontaneous discovery of all aspects of life as a Ukrainian Canadian. I look forward to your continued support in this important vision and journey of self discovery within the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Andriy Hladyshevsky, Q.C. |
