A Press Release from the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation
The Polish Spirit Exhibit opens to the public on May 24, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Metro Hall (Rotunda). Hosted by Peter Milczyn, Councillor of the City of Toronto, and Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, Exhibit Organizer and President of the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation, the Polish Spirit exhibit provides a unique and inspiring documentation of Polish heritage in Canada. It will run at Metro Hall from May 24 to May 27, 2011 . With financial assistance of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation was able to work with a team of researchers, writers, editors and volunteers to prepare 61 panels illustrating the lives and achievements of outstanding Canadians of Polish origin who contributed to the Province of Ontario in politics, community life, culture, science and engineering.
Visitors will learn about the contributions of some well-known Canadians: Sir Casimir Gzowski, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1896 to 1897; Senator Stanley Haidasz, first Polish-Canadian Senator; Peter Gzowski, journalist, Mark Starowicz, Executive director at CBC; Janusz Zurakowski, renowned Polish fighter and test pilot; among many other accomplished figures. The exhibit is a colourful gallery of individuals whose biographies and photographs represent an impressive representation of first, second and third generation immigrants who served others through their work. The Exhibit was based on the archival materials from the National/ Provincial Archives, CBC Archives, Polish Canadian Congress/ Polish Canadian Research Institute, Polish Parishes Credit Union, Copernicus Lodge and Polish Canadian Women’s Federation. Many families of the honorees assisted in the process by providing access to their private photograph collections. Thanks to Mrs. Natalie Haidasz, Nina Sparks, Stella Slaby, Mrs. Krystyna Orlowski and others, who added a personal touch to the exhibit, creating a valuable documentation totaling over 250 photographs. The Polish Spirit Exhibit documents survival, perseverance, creativity – the true “Polish spirit”. It highlights the stories of those born in Canada and those who arrived from Poland after the 1st and 2nd World Wars or post-Solidarity . They have proven that it is possible to build a strong community and contribute to the well-being of others through creative and constructive use of human talent. Showcasing real stories, real lives and true records of personal achievement throughout Canadian history, the Exhibit shares Polish heritage with the community and shows Polish-Canadians are an integral part of the Canadian mosaic. The Polish Canadian Women’s Federation gratefully acknowledges the support of the many sponsors, award donors and volunteers. Sponsors are: Councillor Peter MIlczyn, City of Toronto; Canadian Polish Congress; Consulate of the Republic of Poland; The Adam Mickiewicz Foundation; W.N. Turzanski Foundation; St.Stanislaus -St.Casimir’s Polish Parishes Credit Union Ltd; Mrs. Stella Slaby; Nova Printing; Punkt Magazine. Media please contact: Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski — E-Mail: [email protected]