Shevchenko Foundation Celebrates 50 Years!

On Sunday October 6, 2013 the Shevchenko Foundation kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations at the Malaspina Theatre, Vancouver Island University, in Nanaimo, BC.

In partnership with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio, the Foundation invited donors and the public to celebrate the Foundation’s milestone with a concert of west coast Ukrainian Canadian dance and vocal talent, and a presentation on the work of the Shevchenko Foundation.

Performances included a large cross-section of dance and vocal groups from British Columbia, including the Vesna Ukrainian Dancers of Nanaimo, vocal quartet Luna of Victoria, musician Evelyn Shindruk of the Westcoast Dulcimer Duo of Surrey, the Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers of Comox Valley, Veselka Dancers of Victoria, and bandurist and singer Ruta Yawney with vocalist Dona Dutchak.

Speaking to the gathering of approximately 200 people, Andrew Hladyshevsky, Q.C., President of the Shevchenko Foundation highlighted the important role that the Shevchenko Foundation has played, and continues to play, in supporting cultural endeavour in the Ukrainian Canadian community in the fields of arts, education, heritage, and community development.

“As president of the Shevchenko Foundation, I would like to thank Paulette McQuarrie of Nash Holos for assisting in hosting, organizing, and MCing this event. Thank you to all the performers for participating in this afternoon’s concert. And a big thank you to all of you, the audience, for travelling from near and far to help the Shevchenko Foundation kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations”, said Mr. Hladyshevsky.

A reception followed the concert giving everyone the opportunity to visit and to learn more about the Foundation. The Shevchenko Foundation will be celebrating throughout the year, with stops in various cities across Canada.

The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko (Shevchenko Foundation) was incorporated by an Act of Parliament on July 22, 1963. Over its 50 year history the Foundation has invested $10 million into supporting Ukrainian Canadian culture and community life.