UWVA members and guests pose after concluding a successful Annual General Meeting in Toronto, ON on 28 March 2025. (Photo courtesy of UWVA.)
Andre Sochaniwsky CD, President of UWVA.
The Ukrainian War Veterans Association of Canada (UWVA) has marked another year of significant achievements and unwavering dedication to its mission.
The UWVA held its Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) Toronto Headquarters. This event was presided over by Slawko Borys, distinguished leader in the Ukrainian National Federation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
The meeting commenced with the playing of the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems, followed by a moment of silence to honour deceased members and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Canadian and Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Jurij Klufas, President of the UNF of Canada, presented greetings from the UNF.
All mandated Executive reports were presented and accepted by the attending UWVA membership.
Treasurer Taras Jackiw summarized key disbursements made by the UWVA Pro Patria Ukraine Fund, to support Ukrainian soldiers defending Ukraine.
In his President’s Report, Andre Sochaniwsky CD reflected on the milestones reached in 2024 and outlined the organization’s strategic vision. In January 2025, the UWVA celebrated 97 years of continuous service and leadership in the Ukrainian Canadian community. The UWVA’s mission today includes fostering relationships between Canadian and Ukrainian militaries, supporting veterans’ programs, building awareness of military heritage, and actively supporting Ukrainian soldiers defending their homeland.
With a renewed three-year mandate from the UWVA Triennial Congress in 2024, the UWVA Executive has developed a comprehensive strategy to prepare the organization for its next century of service. The strategy focuses on:
– Sustaining support for Ukraine beyond the immediate Ukrainian Canadian community.
– Honouring Canadians who have fought to defend Ukraine.
– Supporting Ukraine’s military and veterans.
– Educating Canadians on the rich military heritage of Canada and Ukraine.
President Sochaniwsky highlighted the invaluable role that the UWVA has played in establishing the Sacrifice Medal, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, to honour Canadian citizens killed or wounded in action while serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
To date, 13 Canadians have been killed and 3 wounded in action. Two award ceremonies have taken place, with more planned across Canada in 2025.
President Sochaniwsky expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada, Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, sponsors such as the Ukrainian Credit Union Limited, Ukrainian National Federation Foundation, and the Taras Shevchenko Foundation for their financial support. He also thanked the UWVA Executive for their leadership and dedication.
At the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ukrainian Credit Union Limited, Taras Pidzamecky, announced a generous contribution of $5,000 to the UCC/UWVA Sacrifice Medal Project.
Another highlight of the meeting was the special presentation made by President Sochaniwsky to UWVA member, Iryna Washchuk. She was awarded the UWVA’s highest medal, The Knight’s Cross, for her exemplary volunteer contributions to the Ukrainian community in both Canada and Ukraine.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a productive and forward-looking AGM. The UWVA continues to honour its legacy while adapting to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the contributions of military members are recognized and supported.
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