UNF Toronto Annual
General Meeting
By
John Pidkowich
A reprieve from winter’s unusually strong
grip on Southern Ontario made for favourable conditions to attend the Ukrainian
National Federation – Toronto Branch Annual General Meeting, held Sunday
afternoon, February 24 in the Trident Hall at the UNF Community Centre on Evans
Ave. Around 100 members of the UNF and Affiliated Organizations came out, “did
not see their shadow”, showed support for the organizational work of the UNF
and remained for some friendly socializing over refreshments.
The meeting was opened with
a prayer and moment of silence for deceased members. Toronto Branch President
Zenon Chwaluk proceeded to cheerfully welcome new members and special guests
including Taras Pidzamecky, President of the UNF of Canada, Natalie
Bundza-Iwanytzkyj, National President of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization and
sister branch President Petro Kowalczyk, UNF Toronto - West. Elected to the AGM
executive were Jaroslaw Bilak, Chair, Stacey Suessmuth, Vice Chair and President
of UWO Toronto Branch and Secretaries Bohdan Medicky and John Pidkowich. Chair
Bilak recognized Oleksandr Mykhayletskyy, President of the Ukrainian National
Youth Federation – Toronto Branch. Starting with the adoption of the agenda,
the Chair proceeded deftly to run the formalities of the meeting and quickly
remedy any oversights.
Executive Reports began
with President Chwaluk’s recognition of member volunteer hard work, especially
that of Vice Presidents Greg Adamowich, Chair of the Building Management Committee and Slawko
Borys who addressed the needs of UNF Camp Sokil in Hawkestone, north of Toronto
on Lake Simcoe. Treasurer Bernice Mokryj presented figures from financial
statements in an orderly fashion indicating the Branch operates under cash flow
constraints but has equity. She thanked the executive for its support, notably
that of Anna Fedun in banking and a special thanks to husband Russ Mokryj’s
moral support. Management Committee Chair Adamowich announced that Stefan Mazur
has been hired as the new Building Manager, effective February 25. In his
PowerPoint Presentation of the 2007 Sokil Annual Report, Camp Sokil Committee
Chair Slawko Borys praised the relentless work of Camp Sokil Manager Bohdan
Didulka and his administrative skills to collect dues, receipts and pass on a
lot of bills to get paid by the executive. In analysis of work activity
timelines at the Camp, Borys recommends that capital funds be set aside by the
Branch, earmarked for the camp, especially for start-up operations in the
spring. As revenue grows through the camp season, depleted capital funds are to
be replenished by year end. UNF Children’s Camp Director Bohdan Woichichowskyj
stated that the Camp would not be possible without the support of Borys and
Didulka teamwork. John Pidkowich provided a brief overview of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress
and year's activities.
Nominating Committee Chair
Jaroslaw Kowal presented the executive slate for 2008 including its committee
chairs and members. Newly-elected President Slawko Borys could well be the
youngest ever UNF President. In his acceptance, he stated that upon every
occasion, tongue-in-cheek, he will thank his grandfather for this predicament,
but is sincerely grateful and indebted to Dido Jaroslaw Kowal for his
support and encouragement. Outgoing President Zenon Chwaluk and Executive were
also thanked for their support on issues in past and in advance now that Slawko
Borys is charged with presidential duties.
In his address, Taras
Pidzamecky, UNF of Canada President wished the newly-elected young branch
president success and energy, and looks forward to the branch’s cooperation and
working together with the UNF Board of Directors. The Branch was praised for
weathering its financial commitments, organizational and
The Meeting adjourned with
the singing of the National Anthems “O,