Jeannie Hunchak

There were over 125 members of the Ukrainian Womens’ Organization (UWO), Toronto Branch, along with friends and family at a wonderful Mothers’ Day dinner held at the Linden Restaurant in Etobicoke. All those present were fortunate enough to have author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch present to speak about Hope’s War, her latest book for young adults.

Marsha spoke to us as friends about her book and explained why she felt she had to write it. She was motivated by the injustice that allows Ukrainians and other ethnic groups to be labeled war criminals on the flimsiest of proof, often based on dubious documents provided by the KGB and its present incarnation the FSU. The book tells the story of Kataryna Baliuk, whose grandfather has been accused of being a war criminal, despite a lack of hard evidence.

Through the efforts of UWO member Orysia Sopinka-Chwaluk, our organization was able to secure funding from the Canada Council that allowed us to have Marsha as our speaker. Along with additional funding from the Toronto Ukrainian School Board, Orysia arranged for speaking engagements by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch before students at local Ukrainian Day Schools to make them aware that Ukrainians are not war criminals.

Orysia Sopinka-Chwaluk and Vera Rohozynsky-Storoniak, our Cultural Committee, prepared the evening’s programme. Members of our Executive took on a number of functions in organizing the event. Olya Leschuk made up the posters and tickets, and Anna Adamowich and Irene Fedina arranged for the restaurant, meal reservations, a raffle, carnations for all the guests and dozens of door prizes. It was an evening where everyone went home sated and more knowledgeable.

More information about Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch is available at her web site, www.calla.com