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Vegreville Volunteer Organization to Receive Humanitarian Award
Vegreville Volunteer Organization to Receive Humanitarian Award
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
The efforts of local volunteers with the Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine Committee will be formally recognized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC).
Orysia Boychuk, UCC-APC President officially advised the Town of Vegreville and in turn committee member that it has been selected to receive the 2024 Hetman Award for Ukrainian Crisis Humanitarian Aid.
The Hetman Award will be presented at the 25th annual UCC-APC Hetman Awards luncheon on Nov. 10 in Edmonton. Committee Chair Natalia Toroshenko said members are very honoured to have been selected for the award.
She also expressed her gratitude to residents and businesses who have welcomed Ukrainian evacuees into the community over the past two-and-a-half years. “I have been blown away by the things that this town, the people of this town have done, the businesses of this town have done, to welcome Ukrainians; to open their doors and welcome them into the community, and they (Ukrainians) feel it, they know it. Many of them consider themselves to be the luckiest Ukrainians in Canada because they’re in this community where you can’t walk down the street or walk through Walmart without hearing someone speaking Ukrainian.”
Primarily functioning as a Ukrainian settlement service, the Committee has settled over 30 families, more than 100 individuals from children to seniors in the community. They’ve provided translation services, accommodation, food, clothing, assisting with documentation for language and employment requirements, and applying for permanent residency.
The work of the committee is “ever evolving” and Toroshenko said they have to be responsive to the needs of Ukrainian evacuees. “No matter what we’re doing we have to stay so flexible because things change and things evolve, and things we may have done three months ago for whatever reason have changed now or there is a different focus or priority. So, it’s important that people on the committee understand that and that we go with the flow.”
Toroshenko said the majority of Ukrainian evacuees who came to Vegreville are families, and that parents are working in the community, learning the language, and have become an integral part of the Vegreville community, with many wishing to stay as they see opportunities for their children.
“I also should make a comment to say how much gratitude we have received from the Ukrainians who we have helped. Some of them still cannot believe that we’re all just volunteers and we do this because we think it’s the right thing to do.”
The Committee has also received overwhelming support from the community having received $100,000 in donations to date. The Committee was formed by volunteers on the initiative of the Town of Vegreville with the first public meeting being held in March of 2022.
Vegreville Councillor Jerrold Lemko is the town’s official liaison for the committee, and stated, "We are deeply honoured and proud to see the Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine Committee recognized with the Hetman Award by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter. This award is a testament to the incredible spirit of compassion and unity that our community has shown in supporting the Ukrainian people during these challenging times.
The efforts of the committee have not only provided tangible assistance but have also strengthened the bonds between our local community and our Ukrainian friends. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, our collective commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity can make a meaningful difference. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the committee for this award.”
Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, stated, “I want to congratulate Vegreville and Area for receiving the Hetman Award. It is an honour to represent a constituency recognized for their compassion and support for Ukraine and Ukrainian Evacuees. Seeing my community step up in such powerful ways since the conflict with Russia began has showcased neighbourly care in an entirely new light.
As the Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees, I have made it my mission in government to advocate for government supports and uplift those who have made Alberta their home after fleeing from conflict. All the volunteers of Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine should be recognized, and their efforts appreciated.”
