St. John's Institute Fundraising Gala 2015

YEG is so blessed with St. John's Institute.  SJI is a wonderful non profit affordable housing option, in a desirable location near the University of Alberta  - with a reputation for exceptional food and welcome hosting of arts and cultural events. Visit SJI at http://www.stjohnsinstitute.com/

The amazing work of community building across many generations continues at St. John's Institute Edmonton. While I have been there for (compliments to the kitchen!) pyrogy supper, and my daughter did spent more than one summer living at SJI during her studies, just a few blocks from the U of A, I can't believe my misfortune (misjudgement of schedule!) of missing the recently sponsored concerts by my favorite Ukrainian musicians, Піккардійська Терція, в Едмонтоні! And all the extras I have mentioned don't even come close to recognizing the many decades of Ukrainian student life that has been fostered at SJ!. 

Folks, it's official! If you like what the SJI people do, and want to support their upcoming projects, you will be in good company to join them on Saturday Feb 7 at the "Show Me the Money" Fundraising Gala! on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Palace, 3223 Parsons Road (99 Street) Edmonton. 

I understand Suzanna and the board have arranged for live performances by Mercury Opera, Viter Ukrainian Dancers & Folk Choir, and Toy Guns Dance Theatre. That is, after the highly social cocktails, delicious dinner and amazing dance social by Steppe.

Contact SJI at , 780-439-2320, arts_culture@stjohnsinstitute.com for tickets!!

HART Helping Children in Ukraine

Calgary is blessed with social services, care networks, and support for people who are on hard times. Whether unemployed, or caught in the spiral of addictions, fighting physical or mental disabilities, or victims of crimes - we are so fortunate.  Medical coverage, emergency services, drop in centers and shelter for the homeless - these are all products of forethought and humanitarian thinking. But it is very different in other places in the world.

With the collapse of "empire", Ukraine's early moments of independence in the modern era were filled with challenges, among them poverty, and spiritual need.  Personally confronted with the stark realities of Ukraine in the 1990's HART President and Founder Lloyd Z. Cenaiko (originally of Saskatchewan) felt the call to help his ancestral homeland. With the Humanitarian Aid Response Teams - International Relief, he has gathered similar minded change leaders to energize and provide resources to needy people in Eastern Europe- specifically Ukraine.

HART is again hosting their Annual Summer Camp Auction and Ukrainian Dinner here in Calgary on Friday, March 15, 2013.  The goal of this fundraiser is to help send 4,000 to 5,000 underprivileged children from Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus to summer camp.  Children with special needs, orphans, the homeless, kids from juvenile detention homes, and those in poverty could benefit from this mission of hope - with Calgary's support.

The event takes place at Centre Street Church - 3900-2nd Street NE, Calgary.

For tickets or for more information contact HART at 403-230-8263  or tickets@hart.ca