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Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine Award Presentation
Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine Award Presentation
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee had the honour of presenting the 2024 Minister’s Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence to the Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine Committee on Oct. 16.
“On behalf of myself and council it is an honour to present this committee with this award. I talk to Minister McIver and he wanted me to thank you all for the work that you’ve put in.
This award is for partnership, and when the Russian government decided to invade Ukraine it didn’t take long, a quick call out to our community and this committee started, and I’ve never been prouder of anything that this community’s done. It’s been amazing. So, give yourselves a hand,” stated MacPhee.
The Committee was recognized by Municipal Affairs under the Partnership category. It was one of 10 organizations to receive the award this year.
Committee Chair Natalia Toroshenko said members were deeply honoured to have received the award for its volunteer work as a settlement agency for Ukrainians choosing to live in Vegreville and area. The best part of this award is that it is for partnership between four local entities: VSWU, Town of Vegreville, Vegreville Cultural Association, and St. Michaels - Vegreville Manor.
This partnership demonstrates that collective strength and commitment is powerful enough to achieve great goals. We opened our hearts and our community to people fleeing their homeland after it was illegally invaded, and have successfully provided a safe and secure place to live for over 35 families. What could be more rewarding than that!
Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk could not attend the presentation in-person as she was on the road meeting with Ukrainian newcomer organizations.
Constituency Assistant Sharon Lencewich delivered remarks on her behalf. “VSWU is an organization I hold very close to my heart and I consider myself honoured and privileged to have worked with such a wonderful group…I truly cannot think of a more deserving group for this award. You’ve raised over $100,000 and it’s a testament to the generosity of businesses, clubs, organizations and people of Vegreville and area. Not only has the money supplied essential goods to Ukraine, but it has played a key role in supporting 40 families right in our community.”
Following the presentations, three Ukrainian newcomers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to immense appreciation to the committee and its members. In fact, it was Ukrainian newcomer Yuliia Kalutska, on behalf of all Ukrainian newcomers in Vegreville, who nominated the Committee for the award.
In her letter to Mayor MacPhee and members of council, Kalutska stated that VSWU has been a “beacon of hope” during that terrifying time. “With a spirit of selfless generosity, they have provided more than just necessities; they have opened their hearts and homes to us.
Through their efforts, the community has come together to donate money, furniture, clothes and food. Committee members personally housed families, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond ordinary charity. They have tirelessly helped us navigate government paperwork, seek employment and integrate into this community.”
She went on to state, “We believe that their extraordinary empathy, effort and effectiveness in aiding us deserves recognition. Their actions have truly transformed lives and exemplify the best of what community and compassion can accomplish together.”
