R E P O R T S
2023 Annual Report
Our Polish Canadian Women’s Federation’s Branch #8 completed its 59th year of activity in 2023.
After a three-years lapse (pandemic), we resumed our Polish poetry and prose competition for children and youth. The event drew 30 applicants who were deemed high level by both the jury and the audience. As in past years, we also included a drawing corner for the children and offered a selection of Polish books for anyone to take for free if interested.
Our members participated in the June 28 Walkathon organized by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa. The event featured three kilometers walk in the Andrew Hayden Park, cultural attractions, snacks and especially a chance to catch up socially.
We collected over 150 books from within Ottawa’s Polish community for the library at the Polish House in Chatham.
We visited the National Gallery twice. In June we saw the exhibition “Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment” which featured over 100 years of indigenous artists, painters, photographers, weavers, and sculptors, including virtually unknown ones, along with famous non-indigenous painters such as Emily Carr and Paraskeva-Clark. We returned in October to view the exhibition Riopelle: “Crossroads in Time” which assembled Riopelle’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and collages.
The annual festival organized by the Ottawa Ethno-Cultural Seniors’ Network took place in August. Various ethnic groups participated, and our branch displayed exhibits and outfits representing Polish culture and folklore, along with materials related to our branch’s work, and donated items for the auction. We also invited two ladies from our Polish community to speak about the books they wrote relating to their life experiences. Liliana Arkuszewska’s “Was It Worth It: Columbus in Jeans” and our branch member Ewa Konopacka’s “Discovering Ottawa” and “In Search of Freedom” raised keen interest. Our display table as well was the object of great interest, with many festival attendees wanting to purchase the dolls wearing regional Polish costumes.
Our “donate a poem” project was determined to have slowly progressed with the receipt of handwritten poems. The invitation was extended to other ethnic groups to contribute poems written by their poets in their own languages. This project is to give us a chance to acquaint ourselves with the poets unknown to us until now. All the poems received will be displayed during our next reciting competition.
In November, our branch again contributed CDN $1,000 towards a scholarship. The Polish Heritage Foundation added $500 to our amount and the $1500 scholarship was awarded in the name of the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation’s Ottawa Branch #8 to a student at Carleton University.
Also in November, we supported the upcoming 2024 Canadian Tulip Festival’s “tulip adoption” program by means of a donation. Also, we made our usual yearly donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Our members received promotions and decorations:
- A ceremony which featured the promotion of our Branch member Ewa Konopacka, holder of the the Order of Virtuti Militari for participation in the Warsaw Uprising, to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
- A ceremony during which our President Ewa Zadarnowska was awarded the Ignacy Jan Paderewski medal for outstanding activity in the Polish community in Canada. This medal is the highest possible distinction awarded by the Canadian Polish Congress.
- On December 6, we met with the representatives of other ethnic groups at a Volunteer Appreciation “Jingle Mingle” Party organized by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa. Eight of our members represented our Branch. Each of them received a Certificate of Volunteer Appreciation.
Through 2023, our Branch members also partook in several events organized by Ottawa’s Polish diaspora. These included:
- A meeting held at Dom Polski with survivors of deportations to Siberia under the title of “Historical Recollections of Living Witnesses”. During this event, three of our branch members (Regina Forester, Teresa Miszkiel and Weronika Ramik) shared their memories.
- The raising of the Polish Flag ceremony held in front of Ottawa’s Town Hall to commemorate Poland’s May 3 National Constitution Day.
- The Polish Community’s memorial ceremony which paid tribute to Warsaw Uprising insurgents in commemoration of the 79th anniversary of the uprising’s outbreak on September 1st, 1944. The event also included placement of a wreath at the monument dedicated to the Canadian airmen who perished while delivering supplies to the Polish insurgents.
- The planting of a tree ceremony held in Centrepointe Park to mark the 75th anniversary of Ottawa’s Branch of the Polish Combatants’ Association (SPK) was attended by several of our members.
- An evening of poetry recital and music held at the Republic of Poland Embassy in Ottawa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Polish Nobel Prize winner Wisława Szymborska.
Our 2023 activities ended with a Christmas gathering which took place in a friendly and festive atmosphere at our Branch #8 President’s home. This get-together gave us an opportunity to review plans. 2023 has been a good year for our membership, with four new ladies having joined our Branch throughout the year.
We wish the entire Polish community and to all our Friends the wonderful Christmas
and Happy New Year.
President - Ewa L. Zadarnowska
Evelina Stypułkowska-Yung
2022 Annual Report
The 58th year of our Branch activities is coming to an end, and, despite the pandemic, we managed to pursue, either via Zoom or in person, opportunities to enhance Polish recognition and identity.
We also partook in projects undertaken by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO) to which our Branch belongs.
- Participation in Multi-Cultural Events:
- In March 2022, we conducted for other ethnic groups a Zoom Power Point presentation on Poland.
- In May, we participated, also via Zoom, in a Mother’s Day event to which we contributed two Polish songs dedicated to mothers.
- In June, we participated in the Festival of Ethnic Groups held in Britannia Bay. This turned out to be our most effort intensive project, with contributions of a display table of traditional Polish objects, as well as of a variety of items for silent auction, all of which were much complimented. The recognition received at this event was the source of much satisfaction.
- In July, we joined a multi-ethnic Walkathon event organized by the SPCO in Ottawa’s Andrew Hayden Park.
- Outings to National Capital Commission (NCC) trails, Local Historical Sites and Cultural Events:
- In spring, members of our Branch met for a walk along the Mer Bleue NCC-20 conservation area’s 1.2 km trail which featured the boreal sphagnum bog ecosystem trestle.
- In the fall, we organized another outing; this time we covered 5 km of NCC Trail-51. Thus, we combined our need for a social gathering with a healthy walk and a chance to admire autumn colors and watch autumn nature.
- In late summer, we gathered at the Billings Estate historic site for a meeting with history. This event unfolded during an early afternoon tea with a presentation on the history of the Billings family and the estate’s museum enacted by young local actors.
- In November, our members attended as a group the Great Canadian Theatre Company’s performance of the play “Forever Young: A Ghetto Story”.
- Assistance to Isolated Seniors:
- Throughout the year, our Branch extended support to Ottawa isolated seniors in the form of assistance with shopping and transportation, telephone contact and visits.
- Student Scholarships and Support of Other Causes:
- An annual contribution of $1,000 to a student scholarship in the name of our Branch, with an additional $500 added by the Polish Heritage Foundation (PHF).
- Contribution of $1100 towards assistance for Ukrainian families in Poland and Ukraine.
- Our donation to the Ottawa Food Bank doubled by the Malhotra Family Foundation.
- Donation to the Ottawa Mission.
- Financial assistance to British Columbia and Newfoundland flood victims.
- Branch members’ contribution of furniture and other necessities to Ukrainian immigrants.
- Donation of toys to First Nation children.
- Collection and delivery of over 100 books to Chatham’s new Polish library built to replace the one which burned down.
- Annual donations to the Polish Library in Montreal.
- Other Events and Activities:
- We attended the funeral of Mr. Stanislaw Kielar, an honorary member of our Branch, who passed away on August 2, 2022. In recognition of the assistance, he habitually extended to our Branch in the activities, we submitted to the PHF a donation to be added to funds designated for a scholarship in his name.
- Several of our members received the Ontario Volunteer Award and pin.
- We issued a certificate of recognition for the 75th anniversary of the Polish Combatants’ Association (SPK) and presented it to the organization’s president.
- At our Branch’s last meeting a new member introduced us to the interesting world/subject of medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga, a parasitic mushroom which forms sterile growths on birches, or turkey tail which grows horizontally on a decaying birch trunk with a striped fruity body in the shape of a frill. Chaga and turkey tail are well known for their immunity enhancing properties, as well as for being rich in antioxidants. The conversation extended also to other plants and herbs (lamb’s ear, cumus) which can be used to prepare medicinal teas. We will continue these interesting discussions in the future.
- Some of us have joined the Good Companions and Connecting Canadians, two organizations which offer a wide range of activities including exercise, educational/training courses, performing arts, games, crafts and tours, thus encouraging that advantage be taken of these programs.
Ending this year, we wish all Members of all Branches of the Polish Women’s Federation in Canada and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
President - Ewa L. Zadarnowska
Evelina Stypułkowska-Yung
2021 Annual Report
In March 2021, we took action in response to an appeal from Ottawa University students for donations to four Ottawa shelters for the homeless strongly affected by Covid-19 and we delivered needed items relating to anti-virus protection and cleanliness, as well as towels, blankets, etc.
In May 2021, we invited sport fans and well-being aficionados to a virtual evening gathering with Dr. Marius Szeib the author and the coauthors of the book “Eighth Continent: Through 7 Continents into the Depth of the Mind – True Stories”. Both Marius Szeib and the book’s coauthors contribute significantly to charities, using their running events to secure donations for worthy causes. A signed copy of the "Eighth Continent" was offered as a prize to the first person who sent in a review of the evening’s recording.
In October, we joined an initiative supporting a Lions Club Charity Run. The event, undertaken by Polish and German runners, covered a distance of 717 kilometers from Berlin, Germany, to Kaliningrad, Russia, via a route through Poznan, Gniezno, Torun and Malbork, Poland. Its slogan was "We run, so that children may be able to walk". Our financial contribution was used to support children suffering from cerebral strokes at the W. Dega Orthopedic Rehabilitation Clinical Hospital in Poznań, at the “I Believe in a Miracle” Charity Center in Kaliningrad and at the Al Hoceim Hospital in Morocco.
Due to the pandemic all our meetings took place outdoors or via Internet. Decisions were reached via e-mails.
At the beginning of 2021, the Canadian Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries invited six members of our Branch to a virtual ceremony (through ZOOM) of "2020 Ontario Volunteer Service Award" and presented to them diplomas for many years of voluntary work for the Federation. Here are the recipients: Maria-Teresa Borys (10 years), Grashina vonFinckenstein (15 years), Jadwiga Swiecicka (15 years), Marzena Kuzma (15 years), Malgorzata Boczkowski (15 years) and Elzbieta Gamrat (20 years). Unfortunately, our dearest friend Maria Borys couldn't participate and collect the Award. She passed away in May 2020. Certificates and pins were sent by mail to all receipients in April 2021.
In November our Branch decided to award another scholarship to a student from Ontario. Daria Gorski, a student from Sudbury, was selected from among the candidates who sent in the application. Daria sent us a letter of thanks.
In 2021 we were also cooperating on a joint cookbook to which we contributed six recipes. The cookbook "Flavours Of Home" was published in collaboration with Ottawa Ethno-Cultural Seniors Network by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
President - Ewa L. Zadarnowska
2020 Annual Report
As a result of Covid-19 restrictions introduced shortly before the end of the first quarter of 2020, our Branch was unable to undertake many of its planned activities. One of these was the 38th Annual Poetry Recital Competition which, as in previous years, was to have taken place in April.
In early March, our members held a gathering on occasion of International Women’s Day. In August, we met again for a second and last time in the 2020 year on the grounds of the Billings Estate Museum. Nevertheless, we continued to remain in frequent e-mail and telephone contact throughout the rest of the year.
On May 12, we attended a funeral service on Zoom to bid good-bye to Maria Borys who passed away after a severe illness. Maria was a wonderful friend and our Branch Vice-President. She was also a gifted writer of Spanish poetry. To honor her, we arranged for a number of her poems to be translated into Polish and English.
We also participated in the General Meeting of the Ottawa Council of Women. Our Branch President Ewa Zadarnowska, is the Convener for cultural affairs in the Council.
We participated via zoom in seminars held every two weeks by Ottawa’s Social Planning Council on a variety of subjects relating to seniors.
Other activities in which we participated and donations dispensed during the year were as follows:
- $300 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank
- $250 contribution towards Mississauga Branch #24’s donation to the Trillium Health Foundation
- $100 and toys contributed towards Mississauga Branch #13’s support to members of Six Nations’ Reserve at Ohsweken, in Toronto’s vicinity
- Participation as co-signer in a letter of solidarity with strikers supporting women’s rights in Poland
- $200 donation to the Polish Library in Montreal
- $750 scholarship awarded to an Ottawa student enrolled in his second year of a clinical psychology doctoral program
- Financed a holiday gift package worth $200 for a single mother and her two children in the Polish Province of Rzeszow.
- Frequent telephone contact with isolated individuals (for whom we went shopping or to whom we delivered supplies, as needed, and whom we took sometimes for walks)
- Obtained 40 PPE masks which were then distributed free of charge to people needing them
- Compiled into 6 volumes all the editions of the annual “Informator” magazines published by the Polish-Canadian Women’s Federation from 1964 to 2019, namely the fifty-five years of our Branch #8’s existence.
We wish all of our Members and their families a peaceful and healthy Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2021 bring only good news, a way out of the pandemic paralyzing our lives and activities, and allow us to return to full activity. May 2021 bring successful work for the Polish communities, Poland and Canada.
President - Ewa Zadarnowska
2019 Annual Report
This year we celebrated the 55th anniversary of our Ottawa Branch with several activities for the public:
- literary cafes in Polish and in English,
- special presentation in English of Zbigniew Herbert's poetry with music in Ottawa's Meridian Theatre,
- 37 annual poetry reciting competition for children.
Branch members celebrated our 55th anniversary with a dinner a special lunch in the restaurant and few month later, with their spouses, in the private home of our own Evelina.
We work with the Social Planning Council of Ottawa. We take part in their events and conferences. This year our more important achievements include participation in the Walk-a-thon and translation into Polish the leaflets with a set of various tips and recommendations important for seniors.
We continue assisting with transportation to the appointments and we visit our members in hospitals and our seniors in senior's residences.
We help financially by donating for various purposes. Some of them are yearly donations, while the others are occasional grants when someone makes a special request. This year we supported:
- "Polanie" dance group
- I. Paderewski choir
- Polish library in Montreal
- we sponsored a trip of two children from a Polish School to a mathematics competition to Poland
- we have added to the purchase of the license to display the Polish movie "The Butler" (Kamerdyner)
- we funded two awards for adults - finalists of the 'Dictation' competition at the Polish school
- we co-financed the action of planting a tree commemorating the 100 years of Polish Independence.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020!
President - Ewa Zadarnowska
2018 Annual Report
The 54th year of the activities of our branch is coming to an end. During this year, we organized both big and small events and celebrations.
The big ones included the 36th Children Poetry Reciting Contest, celebrattion of the 100th anniversary of the Independence of Poland, the exhibition "Polish Spirit", and the Literary Cafe „Faces of Polish Women” with the lecture by Prof. Evelina Banka from Poland.
The smaller ones consisted of meetings with artists - painters, a film screening for Polonia and other ethnic groups. Detailed information on the above-mentioned events can be found on our website www.federacjapolek.ca/ottawa under the "sprawozdania" tag (in Polish).
In cooperation with the Social Planning Council in Ottawa (SPCO), we held meetings with various ethnic groups, participated in their events and invited them to ours. We took part in the walkathon, organized for the first time by SPCO. We raised $ 640, to which we added $ 360 and donated $ 1,000 to the Department of Polish Language at the University of Ottawa.
We worked with the Canadian Polish Congress and the Association of Polish Combatants in Ottawa. We supported Paderewski’s Choir, the Dance Group Polanie and the Polish Library in Montreal, all of which we subsidized this year.
We assisted seniors, especially lonely ones, by maintaining regular telephone contacts with them. We visited patients in hospitals and, if the need arose, provided transportation to doctors. And, foremost we are fostering friendly relations among the members of our branch.
Ending this busy year, we wish all members of all branches of the Polish Women’s Federation in Canada and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2017 Annual Report
- December 2017 – December 2nd President Ewa Zadarnowska received the prestigious #OC150
Award which recognized 150 Ottawa residents (50 women, 50 men and 50 youth between 12 and 25 years old)
for their outstanding volunteer contributions. The award ceremony took place in Richcraft Hall at Carleton
University in Ottawa. MC Stephen Keyes (CTV journalist and volunteer), the awards were presented by MPP Yasir Naqvi,
also present were Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Carleton University vice-rector Alastair Summerlee
who made short speeches during the reception that followed the award ceremony.
Pictures here. - November 2017 – November 25 ladies from our Branch met at Ottawa’s Canal Ritz restaurant.
The conversation around the table was animated and at times heated, at times light and even down-to-Earth.
Photos: here - November 2017 – November 11 as part of the celebrations of Canada’s 150th anniversary a very
interesting event took place in Centrepointe Studio Theatre. Our member Marzanna Bednarek participated in the
poetry recitation organized by Four Seasons Poetry Society. She recited the poem “The Furthest/Greatest Distance
in the World” by Rabindranath Tagore in Polish – as part of a multi-language recitation by representatives of
different nationalities in their native tongues.
Photos: here. - October 2017 – during the Branch meeting on October 18 members decided to support the Mexico Earthquake
Relief fund to help with reconstruction after the earthquakes that devastated Mexico in September 19; the most
affected areas were Mexico City and the States of Morelos and Puebla. Soon after our donation was transferred we
received a thank you note from the Mexican-Canadian Cultural Association of Ottawa-Gatineau.
You can see the thank you note and a few pictures here. - September 2017 – On September 27 some ladies from our Branch visited with the seniors from
the Polish Canadian Congress-affiliated “Ognisko” group. We brought pizza to their weekly Wednesday tea and spent
a pleasant afternoon in conversation. Maggie-the-dog was also a guest at the tea and sends her sincere
thanks for the morsels that too frequently “fell” from the table.
See photo here. - September 2017- On September 23 president Ewa Zadarnowska and ladies from our Branch participated
in the ceremony to unveil the commemorative plaque for the 1050th anniversary of the christening of Poland.
The plaque is located in Ottawa’s Centrepointe Park next to the oak planted to mark the occasion. The project was
an initiative of the Ottawa-area Polish Canadian Congress and was supported by all member organizations.
Photos of this event: here. - September 2017 – On September 21 our member Marysia Borys together with other ethnic groups
visited the MosaiCultures exhibit in Gatineau commemorating Canada’s 150 anniversary.
The excursion was part of the activities organized by the Social Planning Council Ottawa.
Photos of this event: here. - August 2017 – On August 23 president Ewa Zadarnowska was invited to meet with a group of young Chinese-Canadians
and seniors members of the Kanata Chinese Seniors support Centre.
The event was part of a series of meetings to share memoirs and stories of immigrating to Canada and
adapting to the new circumstances in a new country. Ewa Zadarnowska represented PCWF as part of the “My story...” project.
Photo from this event: here. - August 2017 – On August 1st and 2nd the Rideau Canoe Club organized its second Paddle-A-Thon.
Our member Marysia Borys participated with an ambitious plan of paddling 150 minutes to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
And while she did not reach her goal (it was her first Paddle-A-Thon + the heat) we are proud of her success:
she raised an additional $350 for the RCC. In preparing for this event she was helped by ladies from our Branch.
Photos of this event: here. - July 2017 – On July 18 a group of seniors (Ethno-cultural Seniors group) met at a lunch to celebrate the success
of the Canada Day Sharing Dance Perfomance prepared for the celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Ladies from our Branch attended the luncheon.
Photos of this event: here. - June 2017 – President Ewa Zadarnowska attended the 124 AGM of the National Council of Women of Canada was held in Ottawa
from June 22 to the 25th . Among the delegates were members of the Board of Directors of the International Council of Women.
On Wednesday after the opening gala they visited the National Art Gallery and the Museum of History.
Friday evening the first female ambassador of France hosted a cocktail party complemented with a guided tour
of the embassy’s stylish art deco building.
Some pictures of this event: here. - June 2017 – on June 17 the Social Planning Council’s Ethno-Cultural Coalition held its last meeting before the summer break, discussing the latest accomplishments. Next meeting will be held in September. Photo.
- June 2017- between June 2 and 18 a series of concerts and presentations titled “Poland: For Canada with Love” was organized in the International Pavilion on 531 Sussex Dr as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. Ladies of our Branch were frequent guests at these events. Photo.
- April 2017 – On April 30 we organized the 35th Polish Poetry Recitation Contest for Children and Youth
which was held at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa.
Results of the Contest are available here and photos can be seen here. - April 2017 – On April 29 our Branch organized a pierogi making and tasting masterclass for seniors from Ottawa and the Social Planning Council at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa. Polish cooking is healthy and tasty and the popularity of pierogi in Canada is proof of that. The masterclass demonstrated all stages of pierogi making from preparing the dough, the filling and followed by a demonstation of pierogi making in which attendees were invited to participate. Guests were very interested in the process of making pierogi and also enjoyed eating them. Traditional cheese and potato pierogis were as popular as always but also the vegetarian lentil pierogi served with butter, sour cream or fried onion pleasantly surprised our guests. Photos from the event are here
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January 2017 – on January 15 at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa we hosted another one of our Literary Cafes.
Our guest this time was the author of a book about the Ontario Kashub area: “Creating Kashubia –
History, Memory, and Identity in Canada’s First Polish Community.” Our Branch had helped
in financing the publishing of this book by McGill-Queen’s University Press. The meeting was
organized jointly with the Polish Heritage Foundation.
Pictures of the event: here
2016 Annual Report
Our efforts this year have focused on outreach and personal contact across generations and cultures.
In Spring we organized the XXXIVth edition of the Poetry Recitation Contest for children and youth. We had 28 contestants from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto divided in three age groups. Winners received medals, diplomas and monetary awards. All participants received participation diplomas and sweets. The guests appreciated the high quality of the contest, and we are now preparing for the XXXV Jubilee contest which coincides with Canada’s Sesquicentennial.
For the older generation we prepared two Literary Cafes: one in Spring and one in the Fall. In April our guest was Dr Wojciech Kruszewski, lecturer of the Humanities Department of the Catholic University in Lublin, Poland, and guest lecturer for the 2015/2016 academic year at the Department of Slavic Studies of the University of Ottawa.
Prof. Kruszewski gave us a wonderful overview of the current literary landscape in Poland. His passionate discussion was insightful and full of good humour. An animated question and answer period followed. Everyone found something of interest and a reading suggestion for the near future.
Our Fall Literary Cafe welcomed Liliana Arkuszewska, an Ottawa resident who wrote a memoir detailing her adventures and experiences that led to immigrating to Canada. The title of her book „Was it worth it?” – suggests a story of risk-takers and ground-breakers who dared part towards the unknown in search of a better life. Did they find what they were looking for? The author recounts her everyday struggle to succeed in a new world, the joys and trials, the fulfilled dreams and disappointments. Liliana was joined for this talk by her daughter, husband, sister and brother-in-law who are prominent characters of her story. This was her first talk in Ottawa, after presentations in Poland and USA. Participants greatly enjoyed the story that in many ways reflects their own immigrantion experience.
Guests at both events praised the choice of topics as well as the overall organization of the afternoons with delicious homemade treats and a warm decor carefully prepared by our volunteers.
We thank the Polish Combatant’s Association for allowing us to use their Hall for these events as well for helping us make them a success.
The topic of immigration is of interest to many ethnic groups. Ewa Zadarnowska was a guest of the Chinese seniors group where she shared her own road to life in Canada.
Our activities also include participating and collaborating with other organizations, as well as charitable giving. Highlights include:
- Collaboration with Social Planning Council activities for isolated seniors
- Annual Meeting of the Ottawa Council of Women, attended by president Ewa Zadarnowska and Maria Borys. Ewa Zadarnowska was re-elected Convenor for Arts and Culture
- raising of the Polish Flag conmemorating the Constitution of May 3rd at Ottawa City Hall. Ewa Zadarnowska and Ewa Konopacka were guests of honour in additional related celebrations which coincided with the visit to Canada by President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and his wife.
- During the Independence Day celebrations The Canadian Polish Congress awarded the golden merit recognition to president Ewa Zadarnowska, Barbara Woźniak and Vera Ramik.
- Barbara Woźniak received the Ontario Volunteer Award for 25 years of volunteer contributions to Polish-Canadian society.
- Financial contribution to support the Polish Language Chair at the Department of Slavic Studies at the University of Ottawa.
- Donations:
- Post stamps for Oxfam Canada’s program Ending Violence Against Women.
- Gently worn shoes were collected for the needy
- Tools for a course for the unemployed organized by Social Planning Council.
Finally, our Branch was well represented during the 60th Anniversary Banquet of the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation held in Toronto in September. We enjoyed the results of the hard-working dedication of the organizing committee: Katarzyna Grandwilewska, Anna Wołochacz, Irena Kremblewska, Alicja Kotynia and Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowski (coordinator). Mrs Magda Szewczyk was Master of Ceremony. We extend our thanks for a moving and beautiful celebration!
More information and pictures of our activities can be found at www.federacjapolek.ca/Ottawa.
Christmas Holidays are coming...
The magic of Christmas is a child’s belief in Santa Claus, a quiet conversation by the fireplace, a lazy telephone, a sleepy alarm clock and a light sprinkle of snow that brightens everything. We wish our Ladies and their Families a Magic Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Translated by Maria Borys
2015 Annual Report
This year we continued supporting significant initiatives in our Polish-Canadian community. We joined the efforts led by the Polish Canadian Congress to prevent the closure of the Polish Studies Program at the University of Ottawa. Charitable causes we aided include the Polish Scouts, Council of Women initiatives and the rebuilding of destroyed Polish church in Sydney N.S.
In April we held our popular XXXIII Recitation Contest where children and youth delighted the audience with their knowledge of Polish language poetry; and received awards in the form of medals, wonderful books and sweets to encourage their efforts.
In May we remembered our past member Wanda Zatlokal-Garlicka†(1924-2014) on the first anniversary of her death. Her legacy is being honoured with a scholarship in her name awarded to a student from Hamilton.
In the Fall we were busy with our annual book sale fundraiser and our president's participation in the Federation's AGM. Our work with the Ethno-cultural Coalition included preparing the Second International Brunch in Ottawa. It was a very successful afternoon with tasty food and beautiful dances by Polish, Bulgarian and Bosnian groups, serenaded by a lively Serbian band (see below in 2014 - 2015).
Six of our members received the Ontario Volunteer Award: Jadwiga Święcicka, Renia Miszkiel, Czesława Kwiatkowska, Marzena Kuźma, Grażyna von Finckenstein and Maria Borys.
We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our Ottawa Branch Number 8 with an outing and a Brunch in a Gatineau Hills restaurant. As predicted by Sir L. H. Lafontaine, we continue to seek “the happiness and prosperity of Canada and endeavour to transmit it to our descendants in this young and hospitable country”.
Our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2016.
Maria Borys
2014 Annual Report
This year we continued supporting significant initiatives in our Polish-Canadian community: Young Talents Contest in Toronto, Polish Heritage Day at the ROM, and Support to the Polish Studies Program at the University of Ottawa led by the Polish Canadian Congress to prevent the closure of the program. Charitable causes we supported include the Polish Scouts, Council of Women initiatives and the annual action by Sister Daniela to help women in the Ukraine.
Our cultural activities this year included in January the exhibition of 15 Polish Spirit panels dedicated to Polish-Canadians who had a special presence in Ottawa. The closing of the exhibit at the Bytowne Museum was celebrated with a well-attended Polish Evening.
In April we held our XXXII Recitation Contest where children and youth delighted the numerous audience with their knowledge of Polish language poetry; and received awards in the form of medals, wonderful books and sweets to encourage their efforts.
In May we received the sad news of the passing of our long-time distinguished member Wanda Garlicka (†5.05.2014) Wanda was president of our Branch in 1970-1971; she was an active member of several polish-canadian organizations in Ottawa. She will be remembered and her legacy is being honoured with her generous donation towards the Jadwiga Dobrucka Youth Fund.
In June we participated in the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the Beechwood Cementery, honouring Dr Jerzy Dobrowolski.
In the Fall we were busy with our annual booksale fundraiser and our president's participation in the Polish Canadian Congress AGM. We also received the approval of our Articles of Continuance from Industry Canada, thus complying with the transition to the new Not-For Profit Act requirements to continue our activities as a not-for profit, non-soliciting canadian corporation.
This year three of our long-time members received the Ontario Volunteer Award:for 50 years of volunteering work: Wera Ramik, Ewa Konopacka and Renia Forester.
This year also marks the 50 Anniversary of our Ottawa Branch Number 8. We will let you know next year how we celebrated this special date.
Our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015.
Maria Borys
2014 - 2015
- The Ethnocultural Coalition's International Brunch was held in Ottawa on October 3rd. As a member of this organization our
Branch hosted the event which took place at the Polish Combatants' Hall. There was an opportunity to taste culinary
specialities from different parts of the world, enjoy performances by artists of several nationalities living in Ottawa
and participate in a silent auction.
Pictures: here.
- Our Branch celebrated the 50 anniversary. You can learn about the beginnings of the organization right here: it started like a ghost story...
read more...
In June 2014 three of our members: Vera Ramik, Eva Konopacka and Renia Forester has been awarded Ontario Volunteer Award for 50 years of volunteer work. In June 2015 a few other members: Grazyna von Finckenstein, Jadwiga Swiecicka and Marzena Kuzma were awarded the same Award for 10 years of volunteer work, Renia Miszkiel for 40 years, Czeslaw Kwiatkowska for 10 years and Maria Boris for 5 years. Congratulation!br On the occasion of the anniversary we had a special lunch in a charming restaurant. See some pictures here
2013 Annual Report
We finished last year 2012 with the third annual Christmas Tree Decoration at the Museum of Civilization, a great opportunity to showcase the Polish traditional decorations in Canada’s capital. Christmas Tree
Our Branch is a member of the Ottawa chapter of the National Council of Women. Our president Ewa Zadarnowska was elected Convenor of Cultural Affairs.
We are members of the Ethno-cultural Coalition and actively support their activities, among others fundraiser the November 2013 International Brunch, which included a Silent Auction as well as traditional food. See Pictures here.
In December 2012 our member Anna Binkowska participated in the "Respect for Caregivers and Unpaid Work Roundtable" chaired by the Liberal Health Critic Hon. Dr Hedy Fry PC MP (Vancouver Centre), the discussion is part of a series organized by the National Liberal Women Caucus.
In March 2013 our Branch helped with preparations and promotion of the Polish Tourist Organization and the Ministry of the Economy stand at the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa's Convention Centre. Picture.
In April we organized the XXXI Annual Reciting Competition for children and youth. All the participants receive diplomas, medals, books and cash prizes.
Here are results of the 31st Annual Recital Competition
- Results and Pictures
In May many of us joined the Ottawa Marathon, walking the 5km race and have the medals to prove it!
We also continued our traditional start and end of summer activities in June and September, namely the BBQ at Barbara Wozniak for our Annual General Meeting and the SPA weekend in the Ontario Kashuby region which includes an overnight stay at the Polish scout’s quarters, lots of hiking and sightseeing and good food. (Pictures 1), (pictures 2), (pictures 3).
Our president Ewa Zadarnowska represented us in farewell to the Military Attaché Michal Peksa and his wife Dorota, as well as to the Ambassador Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz and his wife Mrs Katarzyna, who finished their respective diplomatic missions in Canada. Picture 1, picture 2, picture 3.
Black Ribbon Day and a meeting with Mrs Jadwiga Wisniewska were other highlights of the summer activities.
In September we organized the “Gone with the Wind” concert, a wonderful event with the audience singing along the good old tunes. Pictures
In November there were three events:
- Our traditional book sale where along with funds raised we are happy to see books saved from the recycling bin and get a second life in the hands of avid readers, especially children. Picture
- It was our turn this year to organize the November event commemorating 95th Independence Day. Among our distinguished guests was the Ambassador of Poland in Canada, HE Mr Marcin Bosacki and family, other members of the Embassy, leaders of the Polish organizations in Canada, the priest of St. Hyacinth’s Parish Father J.Jajesniak, OMI and numerous members of the community. A brief official ceremony was followed by an artistic show to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the January Upraising. Pictures
- The third and final event in November was the International Brunch with the Ethno-cultural Coalition. Pictures
Our Branch decided to allocate funds to two charitable causes this year: providing help to the hurricane victims in the Philippines and the building improvements fund of the Polish Parish in Ottawa.
Finally we would like to boast of the awards received by several of our members this year: Ewa Zadarnowska – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (picture), Wanda Garlicka – Volunteer Service Award for 50 years of volunteering; Barbara Owczarek, Elzbieta Gamrat and Malgorzata Boczkowska (nominated by the Polish Teacher’s Union in Canada) who all received Volunteer Service Awards. Malgorzata Boczkowska – Golden Combatants Cross awarded by the Polish Combatants Association in Canada for her work as teacher and director of the Polish School “Wiktor Podolski” in Ottawa.
In light of the upcoming holiday season
We wish all of you a Peaceful, Healthy and Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New 2014 Year!
This report was prepared by Malgorzata Boczkowska and Maria Borys.
2012
- December 2012 - Starting December 1st., 2012 till January 7th., 2013 the Christmas tree decorated by our Branch will be prezented among the other Ottawa's organization trees in the Museum of Civilization, Gatineau, QC. Christmas Tree
- November 2012 - Used Book Sale - On Sunday morning in the Polish Parish meeting room our members were selling books.
- October 2012 - Tea Party at the Woman are Persons monument on the Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Pictures
- September 2012 - Our Branch took part in the Forum organized by the Ethnocultural Coalition of Ottawa to showcase work performed by volunteers from different Ethnic organizations. Each group prepared or took part in exhibits, powerpoint presentations and discussions with Funders. Picture
- June 2012 - BBQ at Basia's. Pictures
- May 2012 - XVII General Convention of the PWF organized by our Branch in Ottawa, May 18-20, 2012.
Ewa L. Zadarnowski is a new President of PWF. Congratulations!
More... and Pictures - May 2012 - Mr. Donald Tusk - Prime Minister of Poland and Hon. S. Harper - Prime Minister of Canada in Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Pictures
- April 15 - Results of the 30th Annual Recital Competition - Results and Pictures
2011
- December -Dec. 2011 - Jan. 9, 2012 - Polish Canadian Women’s Federation took part in the Canadian Museum
of Civilization’s Second Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge. See our Polish Tree here.
- November - President Ewa Zadarnowska was a guest at the commemoration of Poland's National Independence Day on November 11th organized by the Polish School in Ottawa. Mrs. Zadarnowski appears in the photo with members of the Polish Embassy, Polish Combatants Association, Superintendent of CCE, OCSB, teachers and students
- October - Meeting of representatives of the Polish Community with Prime Minister Steven Harper on Parliament Hill (see photo)
- October - Attended the annual Tea Party on Parliament Hill (see photo)
- October - Book sale at St. Hyacinth Polish Parish in Ottawa where used books, films and children's cassettes were sold (see photo)
- September - Friends of Library and Archives annual book sale (see photo)
- September - Annual rejuvination excursion by members of the organization, this year in Kaszuby Ontario (see photo)
- July - Members of the organization as guests at the dinner cruise in Ottawa organized by the Embassy of Poland in celebration of the Polish Government assuming the presidency of the European Union (see photo 1) and (see photo 2)
- June - President Ewa Zadarnowska accepting the Province of Ontario 20 year Volunteer Award (photo 1) and ( photo 2)
- June - Members of the organization at the annual spring bar-b-que hosted by one of the members where the wife of the Polish Ambassador, Mrs. Iatarzyna Kosiniak-Kamysz was a guest (see photo)
- June - President Ewa Zadarnowska accepting a diploma from the Ottawa Catholic School Board and from the Polish Language School in Ottawa in recognition of her management of the school library (photo 1) and (photo 2)
- May - Photo 1: collection of medals for participation in the annual Walkathon for the past 10 years. Photo 2: group picture of members of the organization who participated in this year's Walk
- April - Results of the 29th Annual Recital Competition and 8th Annual Literary Competition (see photo). - Results of the XXIX Poetry Competition and VIII Writing Competition for Children and Pictures
- February - Report sent to the Council of Women. Our Branch is a member of the Council.
2010
- December 2010 - January 9, 2011 - Polish Canadian Women’s Federation is pleased to invite
you to view and vote for the special tree we have decorated as part of the Canadian Museum
of Civilization’s First Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge.
Polish Canadian Women’s Federation is one of 18 local community groups chosen to decorate a tree as part of a competition to celebrate the festive season and promote our organizations. Each group was given a 2.5 m (8-foot) tree and an electrical supply; the rest was up to our imaginations!
All 18 of the colourfully festooned trees are on view in the Museum’s Special Exhibitions Corridor (Level 2, across from the main entrance), where members of the public can admire them and vote for their favourite.
The community organizations include a wide range of local interests, representing the arts, sports, health and cultural groups. Each created a tree that expresses our group’s identity and mission, and reflects the way in which we want to be viewed by the world. The results are as impressive as they are diverse!
Our tree decorated with handmade decorations represents traditional Polish family Christmas tree.
The trees will be on display until January 9, 2011, when the Museum of Civilization will announce the winner of the First Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge. This season’s winner will be invited back next year to decorate an even larger tree.
We hope you have a chance to see our tree as well as those of the other community groups. Thank you for your support, and enjoy the festive season! - January 10, 2010 - Opening of the Polish Spirit Exhibit organized by the Polish Canadian Women's Federation
and sponsored by a grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation at the Polish Hall (Dom Polski SPK), Ottawa.
Learn more about 60 Canadians of Polish heritage ...here...
Pictures: Polish Spirit - Ottawa
2002 - 2008
- May 16, 2008 - Bytown Exhibit Review by the Now EMC Ottawa East
- May 6, 2008 - Celebrating 150 years of Canada’s Polish Kashub heritage, Bytown Museum Exhibit
- March 8, 2007 - STATUS OF WOMEN CANADA
- May 11, 2002 - Top-notch jazz at Ottawa Public Library
Photos:
2021
- November, 2021 - Cookbook "Flavours Of Home" to which we contributed six recipes.
Cookbook - November, 2021 - We awarded a scholarship to Daria Gorski, a student from Sudbury.
Letter from Daria - October, 2021 - A confirmation Diploma from the Lions Club Charity Run acknowledging our donation for children:
Here
- July 3, 2021 and September 18, 2021 - our two outdoors meetings:
Billings Bridge Estate and Mer Bleue Park - May 5, 2021 - virtual evening with Dr. Marius Szeib the author and the coauthors of the book “Eighth Continent: Through 7 Continents into the Depth of the Mind – True Stories”.
Video recording (in Polish) and the review of the evening’s (in Polish) - March 13, 2021 - donations to four Ottawa shelters for the homeless.
Here - February 9, 2021 - "2020 Ontario Volunteer Service Award".
Pictures from the the virtual ceremony.
2020
- Christmas gifts for Polish children in Poland, December 2020
Pictures - At the Billings Bridge Estate parc, August 16, 2020
Pictures - We said goodbye to our dear friend and vicepresident Maria Borys, who died May 12, 2020.
Movie shot for Maria by her friends from the Rideau Canoe Club
Maria reads her poems: here - March. 8, 2020 - Celebrating the International Women's Day. Lunch at Ewa'a house with
homemade delicious food, wine and coffee. And lots of talking, talking, talking, as ladies love to do.
Pictures
2019
- Oct. 17, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Evening of poetry and music dedicated to the work of the great Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert -
"Meeting Mr. Cogito"
Pictures - Sept. 21, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
The meeting as a part of our Literary Cafe series. We hosted for the second time Mrs. Liliana Arkuszewska, an Ottawa author of the autobiographical book "WAS IT WORTH IT" - Columbus in Jeans."
Pictures - Aug. 21, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Unforgettable afternoon at Evelina's, the member of our Branch. Thank you Evelina!
Pictures - Jul. 6, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Lunch at the "Mandarin" restaurant. We invited the Consul of Poland Aleksandra Kucy, and Mrs. Małgorzata Chmura who cooperated with us from the beginning of her post in our city.
Pictures
2008
- May 6, 2008 - Celebrating 150 years of Canada’s Polish Kashub heritage, Bytown Museum Exhibit
2005
- January 2, 2005 - Christmas at The Canadian Polish Congress - Ottawa District
2004
- December 2004 - Santa Claus in Polish School Ottawa
- October 29, 2004 - Play by K. Braun " Helena - story about polish artist in USA - Modrzejewska"
- September 15, 2004 - Cabaret "Od Opery do Afery"
- April 18, 2004 - Poetry Competition number XXII
2003
- November 14, 2003 - Evening with an author - Anna Łabieniec
- October 18, 2003 - Forum of the Polish-Canadian Women's Federation
- October 4, 2003 - Christmas Exchange "Bake Sale"
- September 2003 - Excursion to Barry's Bay, Wilno and the Museum of Ontario's "Kaszuby"
- August 25, 2003 - Handing of scholarship to Stefan Wójcikiewicz
- May 2003 - Concert "Ballads from Vilnius, Lithuania" and excursion to Ontario's "Kaszuby"
- Spring 2003 - Members of the Federation at work
- April 2003 - History of the poetry competitions
- April 16, 2003 - Accession of the Polish Republic to the European Union
- April 6, 2003 - Poetry Competition number XXI
- Winter 2002-2003 - Members of the Federation at work
2002 and earlier
- October 2002 - General Convention of the Canadian Polish Congress (CPC)
- October 5, 2002 - Exhibition "Gold Fish"
- June 15 - November 15, 2000 - Exhibition, "Bytown" Museum
- 1999 - General Convention of the Polish-Canadian Women's Federation
Certificates and letters of Appreciation:
- Certificate of Recognition from Katarzyna Grandwilewska, the President of the PWF, in appreciation of the longstanding and dedicated service of our Branch 8 in Ottawa, dated October 17, 2019.
- Thank You Letter for participating in the Canadian Montessori Academy's 7th Annual International Day by contributing a gift representing Poland
- Letter, The Alexanders Family
- Christmas Exchange, 2004
- Ottawski Klub Teatralny, 2004
- Certificate of Appreciation, The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canada, 2004
- The W. Reymont Foundation, 2004
- W. Podoski Polish School of Ottawa, 2004
- Letter of Appreciation, University of Ottawa, 2002
- Certificate of Appreciation, Nepean Public Library, 2000
- Certificate of Appreciation, Nepean Public Library, 1999
- Letter of Appreciation, Central Library, Ben Franklin Place, 1999
List of students receiving scholarships from Polish Canadian Women's Federation, Branch #8, Ottawa since 1981.
- Adam Polanski - science scholarschip 2023 - Carleton University in Ottawie
- Monika Brudzinski - science scholarschip 2022 - George Brown College in Toronto
- Daria Gorski - science scholarschip 2021 - School of Optometry
- Konrad Czechowski - science scholarschip 2020 - PhD student
- Stefan Wojcikiewicz - sports scholarship 2003 - badminton
- Elizabeth Skrobek
- Stanisaus Mazewski
- Joanna Ledger
- Benilda Silkowska-Masior
- Brian Tkach
- Paul Murray
- Louis Belanger
- Katharina May
- Nancy Rogers
- Helene Senechale
- Mireille Savard