Hall has been centre of Regina's Ukrainian culture for a century
When Olena Shyian first moved to Regina from Ukraine around 17 years ago, the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) Regina Branch was her “little piece of heaven.”
“I was really lonely, didn't know anybody, and when I came here I was just like OK, here's a little community for me,” Shyian, who is now the UNF president, said during an interview on Thursday.
“The same we're trying to do now, especially for the past two years. All the newcomers that are coming here, they say that it's their hub, it's their home, they meet new friends here, they build relationships here, so it's our little home.”
Shyian said it's impossible to describe how important the branch facility is to the Ukrainian newcomers that have arrived in Regina over the past two years.
“It was so heartbreaking to see how some kids hadn't had soup in three weeks or whatever, and we'd warm up a bowl of borscht of them or something and they'd be so appreciative,” she said. “Or kids are grabbing cookies and fresh vegetables because they have been in displaced places and camps while in transition to get here.”
Shyian said the UNF tries to help newcomers find connections and support, and has even started a youth group.
“Teenagers were the most vulnerable group that I could see out of all. They lost their friends, they lost their usual life, they had to leave a lot of memories behind, and they came here and they don't know anybody.”
The UNF Regina Branch, located on St. John Street, was established in the 1930s, and has been a home to generations of Ukrainian families in the Queen City.
Dance trophies from Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, and photos from the Ridna Shkola Ukrainian language and culture school and Chumaky Ukrainian Dragon Boat Team adorn the walls. The hall has served as a meeting place, and has hosted theatre and movie showings. Hundreds of socials, weddings and banquets have taken place on the creaky floors.
“I found a book just lately and it says that on Jan. 1, 1933, there were 400 people that gathered together in this building to establish the organization,” Shyian said.
“And I'm thinking Jan. 1, 1933 — in Ukraine people were starved to death, and here there was such a strong community that was already forming the organization and telling the world what was happening in Ukraine. It's a lot of history, and it's our job now that we learn it all and we pass it on.”
Over the years, repairs and renovations have been completed by volunteers. However, time has taken its toll on the building, and the UNF board has identified several critical improvements that need to be done to make the building safer and more comfortable.
“You fix one little thing and three more need your attention right away, that's kind of the state that the building is at right now,” Shyian said.
Water damage has been an issue for the UNF over the years, but Shyian said the problem became significantly worse over the summer, as they need to replace their water draining system. Water damage can be seen in different parts of the building and there are visible cracks on the walls and ceiling. The UNF also has many broken windows that need to be replaced.
The cost of the repairs are far beyond the UNF'S budget, so the board has set a fundraising goal of $80,000 to ensure it can continue to support new Ukrainians and promote Ukrainian culture.
“We just can't keep up with fixing and keeping it at the state that it's safe for people to use,” Shyian said.
The UNF started an online fundraiser to raise the money they need for the repairs. A UNF member donated $10,000 to kick-start the campaign.
“I can't express the gratitude, I can't express the feelings and emotions that people trust us, people believe in us and people know how hard we work,” Shyian said, adding they have been doing their best to fundraise on their own through food fairs and pierogi suppers.
“I want people to realize that we're doing so much and we're trying so hard, yet the situation that the building is in makes us scream for help.”