Recognizing community boosters

On May 9, we attended Croatian National Home’s (CNH) dinner and elimination draw. This is one of those win-win-win events: for the organizers, the attendees and the recipients of the proceeds.

The fact it was again a sellout tells you something of its success. The fact it was the 37th annual attests to its longevity. The fact 300 people celebrated friendship, fellowship and fine food speaks to its legacy.

When the CNH held its 50th anniversary celebration in 2016, it was able to report to members that over the years it has donated $70,000 to Welland groups and projects through this fundraiser; that number has now reached $74,000. The annual gifting is a philanthropic record of which this group should be proud.

They are not alone. Multicultural Welland had many ethno-cultural groups over the years and many were committed to fundraising for community groups and projects. Some of these groups include: Ukrainian Cultural Centre, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Casa Dante Lodge, Filles d’Isabella at Sacre Coeur Church, Branch 558 Polish Legion, Polish Community Centre, Ukrainian Labour Temple, and others. Some are still functioning but sadly, others are gone due mainly to declining membership. These good people, over the years, donated thousands and thousands of hours of personal time, working selflessly to make their community a better place. They do it out of the spotlight of public attention and recognition. My point is to show recognition for these community boosters and to celebrate them while they are still here, anyone who has followed their activities over the years knows they are so deserving. They will not be here forever, sad to say. As community, we will be poorer in many ways when they are no more.

Joe and Bernadette Barkovich

Welland

We want to hear from you

We welcome letters from our readers. Please limit submissions to no more than 300 words and send them to letters@niagaradailies.com or mail to 10-1 St. Paul St., St. Catharines, Ont., L2R 4L7. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.