St. Vladimir Institute: Celebrating
50 Years of Culture and Leadership
The Board of Directors and Staff at St. Vladimir
Institute (SVI) are very pleased to announce an eventful year of festivities
surrounding this, our 50th Anniversary year,
celebrating 50 years of Ukrainian cultural programming and post secondary
housing to the Greater Toronto Area. With two events scheduled for the fall to
recognize this milestone, the excitement is building.
The
founders of SVI envisioned a central location for social, educational and
cultural based programs and activities at 620 Spadina Avenue, Toronto in 1963.
Through 50 years of evolution, their vision is still our primary goal. In
addition to housing 46 post secondary students year-round, SVI is home to the
Ukrainian Museum of Canada (Ontario Branch), the Ukrainian Canadian Research
and Documentation Centre, SUS Foundation, Canadian Foundation for
Ukrainian Studies, and the Ukrainian Students’ Club (UofT).
On
Saturday, September 7th, in conjunction with Ukrainian Heritage Day in Ontario, SVI
will host an informal Birthday Bash/BBQ for friends of SVI in the local and
surrounding communities. Entertainment, food and activities in an open-house
style will exhibit our cultural programming and open our doors to showcase the
value SVI has been providing the Toronto area for the past five decades. With
the female vocal group Kosa Kolektiv participating as our musical
guests, this event is bound to be a memorable experience.
On
Saturday, October 19th, we will host a formal gala event at the St. Volodymyr
Cultural Centre on Dundas Street West in Oakville. With entertainment by Orpheus
Big Band and a menu to reflect the spirit of the 1960s, we will celebrate
five decades of memories through pictures, music and stories from past members
and residents. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and further
information can be obtained through our website. We are also asking alumni and
members of SVI to contact us to submit your memories and stories that we can
share at the gala evening.
“This
is an exciting time for St. Vlad’s,” stated SVI President Paul Strathdee. “The
cultural values we have developed for our Canadian Ukrainian community will be
on display throughout the year and we are very proud of what we’ve
accomplished. We invite everyone to visit and experience everything SVI has to
offer.”
For
further information, please contact us by phone at 416-923-3318 ext.104 or by
e-mail at cultural@stvladimir.ca .