UWO-Toronto.
On Sunday, October 30, 2016, Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, Toronto Branch held their Autumn Afternoon featuring historical Ukrainian women’s costumes from different regions from Ukraine. This tea and fashion show evolved from the annual garden party which took place in a member’s backyard. To accommodate the number of members and guests, who attend the event, it is now held at the Ukrainian National Federation hall located at 145 Evans Avenue, Toronto.
This year’s tea and fashion show was a memorable one. Daria Diakowsky not only is a UWOC member, she is also Co-President of the Ontario Branch, Ukrainian Museum of Canada and the Museum’s Exhibits Convenor. The Museum was founded by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Ontario Branch. She brought 5 historic costumes representing 5 different regions of Ukraine from the Museum’s collection. They were as follows: Opillia Region, Pokuttia Region, Central Dnipro Region, Cherkasy Region and Black & Azov Seas Region. The costumes were displayed to allow guests to see and appreciate the authentic, high quality beautiful hand embroidery.
UWO-Toronto President Dianna Fedun introduced the dignified guests who were present. They included: Chrystia Curkowsky, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Council, Sandy Lomaszewycz, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, and Natalka Nebesnij, President, Hamilton UWOC, along with the members who attended.
Featured guest speaker Daria Diakowsky was also introduced. She is well known and an active member in the Ukrainian community who has a glowing list of accomplishments behind her name. She spoke in detail and with passion elaborating upon the 5 regions represented and of the film Mamyna Sorochka created by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Ontario Branch. The film showed embroidered blouses from many more regions in Ukraine. The narrator in the film explained in detail the different embroidery techniques, various types of stitching, colour and symbolism. The garments presented at the event are handled with white cotton gloves and treated with utmost care and respect due to their age and delicate nature. They are stored in acid free containers when not being exhibited.
Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, Toronto Branch generously donated 500 dollars to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada which was accepted by Daria Diakowsky on their behalf.
The whole afternoon had a cheerful and festive feeling. Many guests at the sold-out event wore their vibrant embroidered shirts adding to the atmosphere. Sitting with friends, the chatter in the air, eating fancy canapes and desserts prepared by members of UWOC Toronto Branch, sipping tea and coffee all contributed to a wonderful successful autumn afternoon event.
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