Socio-Cultural >Organizations >Ukrainian Business, Professional and Charitable Organizations

Introduction

These organizations and associations are non-secular and non-political organizations, whose goal or purpose is to collectively support and promote cultural and educational activities or hosting events targeted at promoting Ukrainian culture and people.

Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Association of Windsor

The Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Association of Windsor is included under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business National Federation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (U.C.C.). The initial effort to organize began in the early 1950s and included such individuals as Dr. Anthony Wachna, Harry Pelech, Anne Stasick, Michael Patrick (Petruk), who later became mayor of Windsor, and Felix Kulick. The goals or purpose of the organization was to collectively support and promote cultural and educational activities, to discuss current events and to share views on the Ukrainian Canadian community. The organization has published newsletters, given awards and bursaries to students, and developed the Senior Citizen's Home of Taras Shevchenko in Amherstburg. In addition, the association has produced an Encyclopedia of Ukraine, created a Heritage Award Fund, and hosted an annual concert.

In 1991, the newsletter for the association was named "The Viter" and expanded its attention to all Ukrainian-Canadian activity in Windsor. Each year, the association holds a banquet whose guest speakers have included politicians and other prominent figures. The Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Association has been a generous donor to the Ukrainian-Canadian and Windsor communities including hospitals, charities, church groups, the Windsor Public Library, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Symphony.

Ukrainian Credit Union Limited (Windsor Branch)

The origins of the Ukrainian Credit Union in Windsor date back to the mid 1940s and were spearheaded by Oleksa (Alex) Kosikowsky, Wasyl Topolinsky of Winnipeg, and Art Phillips of Windsor. The Credit Union was chartered in 1946, and the original Executive Committee included Alex Kosikowsky, Dan Bandura, Mary Woytowich-Zolna, Mary Humeniuk-Gaboda, and Ivan Palij. The controlling committee included Mary Kindiak, John Litwin, and George Senchuk. Within a year of its chartering, the Credit Union enlisted 97 members and established an office on Ottawa Street. Between 1946 and 1954, the membership of the Credit Union grew an average of 15 members a year resulting in expansion of the business and hours of operation.

By 1970, the growth of the membership had reached approximately 573 and the need for expansion once again became an issue. As a result, in 1983, the Ukrainian Credit Union of Windsor moved to its permanent home at 1093 Ottawa street where it continues operation today. In 1996, the Windsor branch celebrated its 50th anniversary of serving the communities of Windsor and Essex County and honoured its past presidents including Alex Kosikowsky, Felix Kulick, Michael Yaworsky, Andrew Greniuk, Paul Duda, Michael Bobbie, and John Kisil.

Ukrainian Canadian Veterans' Association

The Association began to organize in 1946, obtained a provincial charter in 1950, and expected to become a separate branch of the Canadian Legion. They located on Drouillard road as a result of funds by members and others individuals. The early years of the association were successful and hosted numerous events geared toward the Ukrainian community of Windsor, such as dances, picnics, and concerts. Furthermore, the Veterans Association sponsored a baseball team and provided financial contributions to the Ukrainian churches and other organizations. However, since the membership was too small, the hope of becoming a branch of the Canadian Legion was unsuccessful. This eventually led to the eventual demise of the Association.

Ukrainian Students' Club (University of Windsor)

The presence of Ukrainian courses and professors of Ukrainian descent dates back to the early 1950s at the University of Windsor. In fact, in the early 1950s, a course in Ukrainian history was taught by Reverend Michael Horoshko. The students formed a club and called it "The Trident Club", whose executive consisted of Michael Zin, Walter Romanow, Steve Musyj, and Ann Holowach. The first scholarship was established by the local Ukrainian Credit Union, followed later by the Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Association. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the membership had approximately 20-30 individuals including Judge Harry Momotiuk, Robert Petruk, and Walter Makarenko. The club was the only ethnic one on campus, and rather than concentrating their efforts on religion, ideology, or politics, they decided to focus their attention on maintaining and promoting Ukrainian culture on campus and in the community. During the 1990s, the club officially changed the name to "Windsor Ukrainian Students' Club" and included members such as Greg Kindiak, Andrew Stebelsky, Petro Tkacz, Lesia Stebelsky, Romana Kovaliv, Sandy Goertzen, Jonathan Romsa, Noreen Andriash, and Greg Momotiuk. The members helped to collect money for the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies for the victims of the Chornobyl disaster.

* other non-political and non-secular groups that have existed over the years have included "Zolota Zhoda" (Golden Harmony) Ukrainian Senior Citizens Club, "Veselka" Ukrainian Catholic Senior Citizens' Club, "Zhyttia" Seniors Society, and the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund (Windsor Branch). For more information see "Ukrainians in Windsor and Essex County" Edited by: Ihor Stebelsky, Yvonna Romanow, Myron Hlynka, Leisha Nazarewich and Morris G. Yaworsky (1995) Ukrainian Canadian Congress 'Basilian Press' - Toronto Ontario