UCWLC Toronto “Springs Into Fashion”

By Lesia Shymko

On Sunday, February 25, 2007, the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (Toronto Eparchy) hosted a fashion show fundraiser entitled Spring Into Fashion. The successful event was held in the large auditorium of St. Mary’s Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mississauga and attracted over 300 guests from the Greater Toronto Area.

The program included a fashion show featuring the beautiful clothing of Montreal designer Joseph Ribkoff and his retail partner, Calche— the women’s fashion apparel store, located at 2310 Bloor St. W. in Toronto. Prior to the commencement of the program, guests mingled throughout the beautifully decorated hall and surveyed the many tables featuring crafts, home dcor items, cosmetics and various prize displays. Upon entering the hall, guests admired a Ukrainian Easter theme table, featuring a traditional Easter Basket with embroidered embellishments prepared by Marta Chomyn and Irena Wrzesnewskyj.

A pleasant musical ambience was created by the talented pianist Petrusia Chornopysky, who entertained everyone with a great selection of piano compositions. Guests at the event participated in a “choose-your-favourite-gift” draw, as well as, door prizes donated by a number of local retailers and private donors. Throughout the program, guests were offered a selection of appetizers, wine, dessert, and coffee.

Olia Dallimore, Vice President of the UCWLC (Toronto Eparchy) and Chair of the Fashion Show Committee, opened the program by welcoming everyone and by drawing their attention to the participating donors and sponsors who helped make the event possible.

The show of contemporary spring fashions by Joseph Ribkoff offered a varied selection of women’s clothing for all occasions, both day and evening wear. Judging from the applause, the stylish but practical clothes were as much fun to look at as they were to wear.

In the second part of the program, hosted by Lesia Shymko, the audience was treated to a glimpse of traditional fashions featuring Ukrainian embroidery and ornamental needlework with an Easter theme. The segment was organized by Marta Chomyn and Daria Sochaniwsky and featured three generations of Ukrainian Canadians.

In her remarks, UCWLC Toronto Eparchy President Olha Karaim, who also modelled in the show, thanked members of the League’s executive for volunteering their time and assistance. A special thank-you was extended to the fashion show organizing committee, namely: Olia Dallimore (Chair); Maria Steventon; Jennie Richardson; Stephanie Shymko; Marion Barsz-czyk and Margareta Shpir. Olha Karaim also acknowledged a number of special guests in attendance, particularly, Olena Gedz, National President of the UCWLC.

Thanks to events such as this one, the UCWLC Toronto Eparchy is able to raise funds for its many ongoing charity activities. The planning, organizing, and publicizing of such endeavors requires great team work led by a dedicated group of women. Congratulations to those who helped organize and everyone who attended this event.