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UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS | ||
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UWC World Council of Ukrainian Social
Services
Dollar Fund Committee Newsletter March 2005
VISIT TO UKRAINE (FALL 2004) Olga Danylak World Council of Ukrainian Social Services Ukrainian World Congress In
October 2004, Irene Waschuk, a
representative of
Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada to the World Council Ukrainian
Social
Services (WCUSS) and I planned a trip to Ukraine, primarily to take
part in the
presidential elections but also to take advantage of the time between
the
election tours to address social service issues. The role of the WCUSS
is to
co-ordinate the work of charitable organizations and committees in the
Diaspora
and to encourage the development of social services in Ukrainian
communities. In the 90’s we assisted
young volunteers in Ukraine to organize Social Services of Ukraine
(SSofU), a
voluntary charitable organization whose membership includes
representatives of
various community and church organizations. Since its’ founding over
100
branches have been established throughout Ukraine. In the
beginning we organized training seminars for the
volunteers, introducing them to the role of a social services
organization. The
branches have developed a range of programs depending on the needs and
resources in their community. Assistance from the Ukrainian Diaspora
community
has been significant in helping this new organization find its place in
Ukraine’s young democracy.
Social Services of Ukraine Annual Meeting In
November’ 04 the SSofU National Executive held its annual meeting with
oblast
presidents, in Kyiv.
During the meeting, branch presidents provided an overview of
their work during the past year. Following are some highlights.
Kamyanets-Podilskyj
– V. Porchynska:“Our Branch held a successful working
bee project. We held hearings with our people to determine the needs
and
functioning of our community. We would be pleased to share our findings
with
other branches.”
Poltava –
H. Kyiashchenko:“Our Branch has
carried out
several projects, currently; we have a task force looking at citizens’
rights.
The grant we received from the Canadian Embassy was used to publish a
booklet
called ‘Your Rights’. It is most important for people in our community
to know
and protect their civil rights.”
Vynnytsia – H. Chaikivska: “I
would like to point out that in our work we come into contact with
other
community organizations. At our “Good Neighbour Centre” we have a
clothing bank
and volunteer doctors who come to see patients. Those who use our services are invited to become
members
by paying a small membership fee. The income from the fee helps us to
buy milk
for needy children and the elderly. “
Kherson – L. Lytvynenko: “In the south eastern part of Ukraine our work is somewhat different. We have a data bank, which includes a list of people with special needs. When we receive humanitarian aid, we distribute it to those on the list according to their needs. We celebrate religious and national holidays and are planning to organize Ukrainian classes for the children.” Uzhhorod – C. Petryshche: “Our main program is a Food Bank but we also collect clothing and household goods which we distribute to the needy. We commemorate historical holidays and last year with help of local sponsors were able to hold a special event in memory of the “1933 Ukrainian Famine”. Ternopil – D. Bohun: “Our most active and longest running programs is “Faith and Light” but we also continue to send Ukrainian literature to centres in the East. This coming year we plan to become involved with a rehabilitation centre in Ternopil which work with trafficked women returning to Ukraine.
“We received a grant and with the funds were able to organize a program for talented youth. We also appeal to local businessmen to help us in our work and with their assistance have been able to provide a meal program for the elderly in our community”. “In our community it is difficult to get funds from local businessmen for our programs, since most are indifferent. Our cities in the east definitely need more attention, especially where the mines have closed and people are living below the poverty level. Two of these cities are Zorynsk and Teplohorsk. We hope that more attention will be given to helping us in the East.” Kyiv
– O.
Bukovska: We thank all
donors for contributing to the Dollar Fund. Your donation
helps Social Services of Ukraine to reach out to those in need. WORLD COUNCIL OF UKRAINIAN SOCIAL SERVICES UWC EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
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