The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has launched a new branch in Sault Ste. Marie to highlight the city’s expanding Ukrainian community.
Led by President Iryna Pedko and Vice-President Mariia Chuchman, the branch is part of the Ukrainian World Congress, a global organization established in 1967 to advocate for the interests of 20-million Ukrainians in 60 countries.
Canada is home to 1.4 million Ukrainians — one of the country’s largest ethnic communities — and it continues to honour its deep ties to Ukrainian heritage.
This November, International Holodomor Memorial Day, observed on Saturday, Nov. 23, remembers the man-made famine of 1932–1933, orchestrated by the Soviet Union, which claimed the lives of an estimated 3.5 to 7 million Ukrainians.
Canada was the first nation to officially recognize the Holodomor as a genocide, underscoring its commitment to preserving the memory of this atrocity.
As part of the commemoration, the public is invited to a “Big Pierogi Making” event on Saturday, Nov 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the basement at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.
"Everyone can join us in making pierogies," a media release said.
"We will provide all the ingredients. So, just come and join us in making good things together. The pierogies will be donated to the Great Northern Retirement Home as a tribute to the millions lost in the Holodomor and as a reminder that access to food should never again be a struggle."
There will also be a craft zone for kids supported by the local licensed daycare provider, Ms. Piercy Early Learning.
"Feel free to bring something for coffee or tea if you’d like, but don’t stress about it—let’s come together and have a great time!" the release said, adding that admission is by donation at the door.