Parry Sound celebrates Ukrainians
Parry Sound celebrates Ukrainians with sold-out Discover Ukraine event
The night was filled with Ukrainian music, history and traditional cuisine
A full house raised their glasses to the Ukrainians that have made Parry Sound their home over the past year at the Discover Ukraine fundraising event on March 4.
“This night belongs to the Ukrainians,” said Rotary Club of Parry Sound president Linda West in her speech. “We would like to say that it is a privilege to know you and to support you in the small ways that we can.”
The sold-out event featured Ukrainian music, history, culture, and cuisine to allow residents to learn more about the new community.
“For us, it was important to share our culture because a lot of Canadians heard about Ukraine only from the news about the war,” said Rotaract of Parry Sound president Myru Yarmolyuk.
Rotaract was created as a branch of the local Rotary Club to help newly immigrated Ukrainians adapt and integrate into the community.
Yarmolyuk said the event was a way to give back to the residents of Parry Sound for their continued support as Ukrainians build their new lives in the town.
“The Ukrainians have known worry and fear in moments that we will never understand, but they also possess a tenacity and courage few of us have had to summon,” said West.
Thanks to organizations, businesses, and all-around community effort, funds, homes, furniture, transportation, lessons in English and so much more have been organized for the newly arrived Ukrainians.
In his report to council on March 7, Parry Sound councillor George Ashford said it was fantastic to see the communities come together.
“I’ve may have had a couple too many perogies, but it was great to see what they brought to our community and how wonderful they have contributed to the last while.”