May 8, 2016
The annual celebrations in Polonia Community prepared by Canadian Polish Congress British Columbia Branch.
Documentary film by J. Kusmider. Thank you.
Official Part of the event.
The 225th Anniversary of The May 3rd Constitution Celebrations took place in The Polish Community Centre 'Zgoda' on May 8th 2016. Many official guests attended the event and Polish Community had an opportunity to get to know the following guests:
Krzysztof Olendzki, Consul General of The Republic of Poland in Vancouver
Raymond Louie, Acting Mayor of City of Vancouver
Andrea Reimer, Councillor, City of Vancouver
Terry O'Neil, Acting Mayor of City of Coquitlam
Arvo Martin, Councillor and Board Member, Estonian Society of Vancouver
The highlight of the event was when Acting Mayor Raymond Louie presented the Honorary City of Vancouver Proclamation of 225 Anniversary of May 3rd Constitution signed by the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson.
During the recognition ceremonies few of the most active members of the community were awarded CPC BC diplomas or awards.
Bronze Canadian Polish Congress Pin awarded to I. Swiatczak, President of CPC BC for her contributions to the Canadian Polish Congress and Polonia Community in British Columbia.
The Honorary CPC BC Contribution Diplomas:
Father Jan Staszel , OLGC Surrey
Polish Women Federation :
Maria Swiderska, Danuta Potworowska, Daniela Kornas
Belweder North Shore Polish Association:
Janina Joniec, Karolina Filipowska, Daria Lubczyk, Lidia Halpert
Recognized Family: Family Pater: Anna, Piort, Joanna, Pawel
The CPC BC was proud to present sponsorship cheques to Canadian Polish Dance Society 'Polonez' and Polish Religious Program (School) OLGC in Surrey. This money comes from the funds raised during the Canadian Polish Congress New Year's Eve Gala. Thank you Polonia for supporting this fundraiser. Congratulations to all, and best wishes for continued success to all this year's recipients.
In the Artistic Part of the celebrations guests had an opportunity to listen to 'Polish Tunes' Choir, Alicja Cichecka, poems by Joanna Pater, Pawel Pater and kids from Polish School in Surrey.
On behalf of Polonia I would like to thank all who helped to put this event together: MCs E. Kozlowski and A. Rudzki, wonderful members of CPC BC for all the help with the planning, details, decorations and reception. Thechnical support volunteers
Eric Swiatczak and Andy Orant. And also members of PT Zgoda for hosting the event in the Polish Community Hall.
Thanks to all participants, wonderful artists, dance group Polonez and choir 'Polish Tunes' for making this event very memorable. Thanks to the sponsors for donations to help organize beautiful reception and goodie bags for the children: Mrs. Viva Wierzbicka, Mr. R. Slawski, Dr. Justyna Sommer, Mr. Kwasniewski (Nickels Deli). Thanks also to Mr. A. Matuszewski, President of PT Zgoda and ladies from PT. Zgoda for the help with beverages as well as sponsoring the venue.
Photos: A. Manuski, J. Dobrowolska, R. Slawski
Reception before the event was an opportunity to meet long time friends and other guests. It was beautifully prepared by wonderful volunteers. Special thanks to M. Kowalczuk (Radio NOFA), M. Filipowska, M. Zgierska, A. Draganska as well as U. Sulinska, I. Sobieski, E. Kuc-Schneider from Canadian Polish Congress BC for the time you took to ensure things are tasting and looking the best. Many wonderful ladies who stepped up to help in handing down programs and collect donations while distributing white/red traditional ribbons. Ladies, many thanks for doing that.
Baked goods by Nickels Deli with special donation of polish donats called 'Paczki'. Thank you Mr. Kwasniewski.
Decorating to set the mood for the anniversary ceremonies - thank you for the team effort.