1. Since the beginning of 2022 members of the Board were working hard discussing many topics which must be announced and voted during the upcoming General Convention on May 15, 2022, on a Zoom platform.
   
   During the Convention, changes to the main Federation documents must be approved and also the election to the Board of Directors will be held.
   
   Meetings of the Board are still held through the social media (Zoom).


2. Under the INFORMATOR tag you will find the latest edition of the publication informing about the work of the President of the Federation, as well as Branches and the Jadwiga Dobrucka Fund in 2021.
   
   There are also "In memoriam" pages with the short stories about our members who passed away in 2021, the organisational units of the Federation (contacts) and, as usual, a few interesting information.
   
   As the publication of the INFORMATOR fell in the 65th anniversary year of the Federation, each of the Branches briefly described its history.
   

   You are very welcome to read the INFORMATOR!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the activities of the Board of Directors as well as the Branches of the Federation are limited to actions that can be performed in this difficult period of time.

President's Message

Dear Members and Friends of the Polish Canadian Women's Federation

At the end of the year 2021 I would like to express my admiration for the most creative projects undertaken by various branches, including the video on the roles of women in history prepared by Branch #3 in Edmonton and the unveiling of the Monument to the First Polish Settlers in Alberta, very original competitions for children reading and singing in Polish organized by Branch #7 in Winnipeg, an impressive ability to collect donations and develop new approaches to charity by Branch #13 in Mississauga, and visits to Retirement Homes by members of Branch #24 in Mississauga that bring smiles to seniors and teach children how to respect elders. I would like to thank all the branches and their members for their dedicated work.

The Federation was planning to held a general meeting and a banquet to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of our organization, but it was not possible to do it during the pandemic. We hope to be able to do it next year. The Executive of the Federation had a busy year, using Skype for virtual meetings. The Executive decided to modernize the existing website and provide links to all branches. We would like to hire a professional company to design a new website and hope to obtain a grant to cover the expenses. Nina Kolesnikoff and Maria Ambroszkiewicz prepared a grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. We will know the results by the spring of 2022. In the meantime I would like to encourage you to prepare the materials and photos to be posted on the new site.

As President of the Federation I participated in many virtual meetings, including those of the Council of the Polish Canadian Congress, the general meetings of the Polish Congress, of the Millenium Foundation and of the Society of Polish Engineers in Canada. I also attended special Masses celebrating the Constitution of the 3rd May, the Day of Independence, and the Memory of the Cursed Soldiers. I was invited to a banquet for the departing Consul General Krzysztof Grzelczyk and a reception for the new Consul Magdalena Pszczolkowska.

On behalf of the Federation I sent letters to the Belarusian Consulate asking for a release from prison of Polish activists in Belarus, and letters of congratulations to the Catholic League celebrating its 65th anniversary and to the Association of Polish Engineers in Canada celebrating its 80th anniversary. The Canadian Polish Women's Federation made donations to the Polish Museum in Rapperswil ($50) and the John Paul II Foundation ($50), Polish Library in Montreal ($200), Polish language program at the University of Toronto ($200), Association of Polish Engineers in Canada ($200) and Maestro Rozbicki ($100).

In January this year passed away Teresa Wierzbicka, the President of Branch 15 in Toronto. A delegation of our members attended her funeral. Let her rest in peace. I visited her apartment and collected some documents related to the work of our organization and passed them to Beata Mozdzanowska, an incoming President of Branch 15.

There are several outstanding projects to be completed in the coming year, such as the ordering of badges for the outstanding members of the Federation to be presented at the 65th Anniversary Banquet, preparation of panels and slides of photos illustrating the Federation's history, organizing a sixth Competition of Young Talent either in the fall of 2022 or the spring of 2023.

I would like to thank my colleagues from the Executive for their cooperation, help and support. My special thanks go to our secretaries Nina Kolesnikoff and Ala Tomicka, our treasurer Maria Ambroszkiewicz, and our webmaster Malgosia Boczkowska for her excellent editorial work on our annual Bulletin which comes as a New Year's gift. I would like to thank all the members of the Executive Board for their cooperation and teamwork.

I am sending also best Christmas wishes and Happy New Year to all our members of the Polish Canadian Women's Federation, their families and friends hoping that the approaching year will allow us to return to normality and continue the charitable undertakings.

1. XIX General Convention of PCWF, May 25-27, 2018 in Edmonton, AB. More information in Meetings

1. On July 24 the members of the Board of Directors of the PCWF took part in the Gala banquet organized by Canadian Ethnocultural Council to celebrate the 150th birthday of Canada.
   On the picture: Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowska, Edyta Tobiasz, Katarzyna Grandwilewska i Irena Kremblewska


2. The 124th AGM and Conference of the National Council of Women of Canada took place in Ottawa on 22-25 of July, 2017 with special guests, the Board of Directors of the International Council of Women. On Thursday evening participants of the AGM had opening reception at the hotel and then went to the National Art Gallery or the National Museum of History.
   Friday evening they spent at the French Embassy where they had a wonderful tour of this Art Deco building. Then they enjoyed a cocktail party hosted by the new Ambassador of France, who is France's first woman ambassador to Canada.
   A few pictures from the events: here


3. PWF's President Ewa Zadarnowska took part in the event commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of Camp Kosciuszko, the Military Training Camp and Cemetery of General Haller's Recruits in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario.
   Photo relation by Mr. Jerzy Barycki: here

1. In 2016 Polish Canadian Women's Federation celebrates its 60 anniversary!!!
   Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us!
   More information about the Anniversary Banquet is on the poster below. /click on the poster to enlarge/
   
   

   

   On the occasion Ladies from PCF received a congratulation letter from Mrs. Teresa Berezowski, the President of the Canadian Polish Congress. (Letter)
   
   
2. On May 25, 2016 in PCA's Polish Hall in Toronto presidents of the cental Polish-Canadian organizations met with Stephen de Boer, Canadian Ambasador to Poland. Among others, Teresa Berezowski the President of Polish Canadian Congress attended the meeting. Our organization was represented by a member of the Board of Directors Ms. Yvona Bogorya-Buczkowski.
   picture
   
   
3. On May 10, 2016 the ceremony commemorating the 225th anniversary of the Polish May 3rd Constitution, and 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland was held in Ottawa. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the President of Poland Mr. Andrzej Duda and his wife who visited Canada at the time. Ewa Zadarnowska, the president of the Federation, and Ewa Konopacka, the member of Branch No. 8 in Ottawa were guests of honor at the ceremony.
   pictures
   
   
4. May 3rd, 2016 r. - on the occasion of the Polish May 3rd Constitution the Polish national flag has been raised on in the front of Ottawa City Hall . Ewa Zadarnowski, the President of the Federation took part in the ceremony along with several members the Branch No. 8.
   pictures
   
   
5. On May 2, 2016 during the session of the Parliament of the Province of Ontario a special statement was given on the occasion of the 225 anniversary of the Polish May 3rd Constitution. Members of the Board of Directors Yvonna Bogorya-Buczkowski and Alicja Kotynia, as well as Krystyna Kaminska (newly elected president of the Branch No. 17) and Julius Kirejczyk, president of the Toronto's CPC branch participated in this parliamentary session.
   Jeff Yurek, MPP - statement and pictures
   

1. On 23 of April 2015 two of the former presidents of the Federation, Irena Kremblewski and Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski were awarded the Provincial Volunteer Award for 50 and 30 years accordingly for their dedicated work for our organization. Congratulations!
   picture,
   
   
2. On June 14, 2015, vice-president of PCWF for Central Canada, Alicja Kotynia, took part in the ceremony held to pay homage to the all-volunteer Haller's Blue Army trained and organized in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, in 1917/1918. The ceremony took place in Vincent de Paul Cemetery, where some of the recruits were buried.
   picture 1, picture 2
   
   
3. XVIII General Convention of PCWF, May 15-17, 2015 in Hamilton, ON. More information in Meetings

1. The POLISH SPIRIT exhibition is back in Ottawa!
   
   POLISH SPIRIT presents the achievements of Canadians, and for this display, those with an Ottawa connection (15 out of 61), of Polish origin who have made significant contributions to Ontario's heritage in community work, politics, culture, science\engineering.
   
   Come to the BYTOWN MUSEUM located alongside the set of eight locks on the Rideau Canal between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier beetween January 13th and March 23rd to see the exhibition.
   
   More details at: Bytown Museum
   
   Find out more about all 61 individuals, which exhibit includes at POLISH SPIRIT
   
   
2. The 3rd edition of the YOUNG TALENT'S CONCERT GALA will be held in the Beverley Halls SPK, 206 Beverley St., Toronto on March 2, 2014 at 3pm.
   More details: ...here...
   CONCERT PROGRAM: ...here...
   
   Here are pictures from the previous edition in 2011:
   picture 1 shows awards recipients, members of the jury and organizing committee: Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowska, Katarzyna Grandwilewska, Dagmara Ulanowska, Magda Szewczyk, Edyta, Malgorzata Jedlewska. (Photo: Krzysztof Filaber),
   picture 2 Joanna Gorska - first prize winner.
   picture 3: Dagmara Ulanowska, Katarzyna Grandwilewska, Edyta Tobiasz, Malgorzata Jedlewska i Magda Szewczyk,
   picture 4 award winners, sponsors, jury, thank you notes...

1. XVII General Convention, May 18-20, 2012. More information in Meetings



2. Board of Directors with the members of the Branches: #1, #13, #17, #18 and # 24 were celebrating Christmas with guests: Krystyna Sroczynska (KPK), Natalia Kusendowa (PISK) and Margaret Maye.
   See picture

1. On September 24, 2011 members of the Board of Directors were participating in the banquet organized by Polish Canadian Congress. On the picture with Wladyslaw Lizon, MP (Mississauga-Cooksville) are: (from the left) Irena Kremblewska, Ela Sulatycka, Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, Katarzyna Grandwilewska and Barbara Wozniak (Branch #8)



2. 
   
   The Polish Spirit Exhibit opens to the public on May 24th, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Metro Hall (Rotunda). Hosted by Peter Milczyn, Councillor of the City of Toronto and Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski.
   To see the invitation, please click page 1 and page 2


3. May 16, 2011, Media Release: The "Polish Spirit" at Metro Hall here


4. May 12, 2011, Letter of Appreciation from Teresa Berezowski, President of the Canadian Polish Congress here

1. Opening of the Polish Spirit Exhibit organized by the Polish Canadian Women's Federation and sponsored by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation on September 26, 2009 at the City Hall, Mississauga
   
   
   
   More information about the exhibition: "Polish Spirit" here and here.
   
   Learn more about 60 Canadians of Polish heritage ...here...
   
   From the media:
   • Stowarzyszenie "Wspólnota Polska" ...here...
   • Mississauga News ...here...



2. The letter to the Premier Dalton McGuinty regarding the proclamation of the April 2nd the Pope John Paul II Day in Ontario.
   click here



3. The International Womens' Day Breakfast in Etobicoke - March 6, 2009. Our President Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowski was there and celebrated with other woman.
   Pictures from the event:
   From the "My Etobicoke"
   Picture 2


4. The Canadian Ethnocultural Council held its biennial general assembly on June 1, 2008 in Toronto. Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowska, the president of the PCWF has been re-elected for the next two year term to the CEC's Executive Committee.    (pdf)
   Also see pictures: (1) - Ms. Iwona Bogorya- Buczkowski and Hon. Jason Kenney
   (2) - Ms. Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowski, Hon. Jason Kenney and Stanislaw Godzisz, the CPC's Secretary General


5. Polish Folklore Exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum organized by the Polish Women's Federation and the Folk Dance Group "White Eagle" (Bialy Orzel)
   The opening ceremony was attended by the Consul Mr. Andrzej Krezela and the president of KPK Mr. Wladyslaw Lizon and took place at the Bata Shoe Museum on February 2, 2008. The entire month of February had been announced the month of Polish Folklore.
   The recording from the ceremony is available at www.polcu.com with the date February 9, 2008.
   Photos are also available on the Community Folk Arts Council of Toronto website, www.cfactoronto.com, under the subheading "Tap your Toes around the World" - Polish Exhibit.


6. Death of Robert Dziekanski at a Vancouver airport - Letter to Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration - Sent Nov. 15, 2007 by Yvonna Bogorya-Buczkowski    (pdf)


7. Report to Provincial Council of Women, Semi-Annual Meeting Nov. 19, 2007    (pdf)


8. Report from The World Conference of Polish Women, Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007    (See...)


9. Report of the Polish-Canadian Womens' Federation presented by Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, President, to the Provincial Council of Woman, Semi - Annual, 2007    (pdf)


10. 140th Anniversary of the Election of the First Polish Canadian to the Parliament of Canada - Alexander Edward Kierzkowski from Quebec - October 22, 2007, Parliament, Ottawa (by Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski)    (pdf)


11. Canadian Ethnocultural Council - August 15 - 19, 2007 - YOUCAN Youth Dialogue Forum: Resolving Conflict and Cross-Cultural Understanding    (pdf)


12. Report of the Polish-Canadian Womens' Federation presented by Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, President, to the Provincial Council of Woman - April 27-29, 2007, St.Catharines    (pdf)


13. Report to the National and Provincial Council of Women, April 2007    (pdf)


14. Some thoughts on multiculturalism: February 20, 2007. Developed for the Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC)    (pdf)



15. 50th Anniversary Concert
    
        
    
      Here you will see some of greetings and congratulation letters from:
    • Dalton McGuinty - Premier of Ontario
    • James K. Bartleman - Office of Lieutennant Governor of Ontario
    • Milica Kovacevich - President of Provincial Council of Women on Ontario
    • Mrs. Adele Simpson - President of Marie Curie Sklodowska Association
    Members of Branch no. 1, the first branch of PCWF established 50 years ago. Here



16. 50th Anniversary of Polish Canadian Women's Federation
    
    In celebration of our forthcomming 50th anniversary we are planning exhibition:
    "Polish Spirit - Polish Canadians' contribution to the Canadian legacy.
    Our heritage; Our way of life; Our aspirations for the future".



17. Gold Fish
        History: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 (only in Polish language)
        The letter to The Ontario Trillium Foundation  Here

1. Letter from Teresa Berezowski, President of the Canadian Polish Congress, 2011 (.pdf)
2. Letter from Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Poland Colonel Dobroslaw Maka, 2005  (.pdf)
3. Government of Canada - Certificate, 2003    (.pdf),    (.jpg)
4. Prime Minister of Poland, Mrs Hanna Suchocka, 1992     (.pdf)
5. Norwegian Nobel Committee, 1982     (.pdf)
6. Letter from Primat of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, 1978     (.pdf)
7. Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1976     (.pdf)

1. Members of Branch no. 1, the first branch of PCWF established 50 years ago,     (see)
2. Delegates for the General Convention of the Canadian Polish Congress, Calgary, AB, Oct. 7, 2006     (see)
3. Toronto, City Hall, Christmas Around the World, 2005     (see)
4. Vancouver, Oct. 15, 2004    (see)
5. Windsor, Oct. 30, 2004    (see)
6. Greetings from Stephanie Powers    (see)