R E P O R T S
2020 Annual Report
As a result of Covid-19 associated restrictions introduced shortly before the end of the first quarter of 2020, our Branch was unable to undertake many of its planned activities. One of these was the 38thAnnual Poetry Recital Competition which, as in previous years, was to have taken place in April.
In early March, our members held a gathering on occasion of International Women’s Day. In August, we met again for a second and last time in the year on the grounds of the Billings Estate Museum. Nevertheless, we continued to remain in frequent e-mail and telephone throughout the year.
On May 12, we attended a funeral service on Zoom to bid good-bye to Maria Borys who passed away after a severe illness. Maria was a wonderful friend and our Branch Vice-President. She was also a gifted writer of Spanish poetry and, to honor her memory, we arranged for a number of her poems to be translated into Polish and English.
We also participated in the General Meeting of the Ottawa Council of Women. Our Branch President Ewa Zadarnowska, is acting as Convener for cultural affairs.
We participated via zoom in seminars held every two weeks by Ottawa’s Social Planning Council on a variety of subjects relating to seniors.
Other activities in which we participated and donations dispensed during the year were as follows:
- $300 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank
- $250 contribution towards Mississauga Branch #24’s donation to the Trillium Health Foundation
- $100 and toys contributed towards Mississauga Branch # 13’s support to members of Six Nations’ Reserve at Ohsweken, in Toronto’s vicinity
- Participation as co-signer in a letter of solidarity with strikers supporting women’s rights in Poland
- $200 donation to the Polish Library in Montreal
- $750 scholarship awarded to an Ottawa student enrolled in his second year of a clinical psychology doctoral program
- Financed a holiday gift package worth $200 for a single mother and her two children in the Polish Province of Rzeszow.
- Frequent telephone contact with isolated individuals (whom we took shopping or to whom we delivered supplies, as needed, and whom we took sometimes for walks)
- Obtained 40 PPE masks which were then distributed free of charge to people needing them
- Compiled into 6 volumes all the editions of the annual “Informator” magazines published by the Polish-Canadian Women’s Federation from1964 to 2019, namely the fifty-five years of our Branch 8’s existence.
We wish all of our Members and their families a peaceful and healthy Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2021 bring only good news, a way out of the pandemic paralyzing our lives and activities, and allow us to return to full activity. May 2021 bring successful work for the Polish communities, Poland and Canada.
President - Ewa Zadarnowska
2019 Annual Report
This year we celebrated the 55th anniversary of our Ottawa Branch with several activities for the public:
- literary cafes in Polish and in English,
- special presentation in English of Zbigniew Herbert's poetry with music in Ottawa's Meridian Theatre,
- 37 annual poetry reciting competition for children.
Branch members celebrated our 55th anniversary with a dinner a special lunch in the restaurant and few month later, with their spouses, in the private home of our own Evelina.
We work with the Social Planning Council of Ottawa. We take part in their events and conferences. This year our more important achievements include participation in the Walk-a-thon and translation into Polish the leaflets with a set of various tips and recommendations important for seniors.
We continue assisting with transportation to the appointments and we visit our members in hospitals and our seniors in senior's residences.
We help financially by donating for various purposes. Some of them are yearly donations, while the others are occasional grants when someone makes a special request. This year we supported:
- "Polanie" dance group
- I. Paderewski choir
- Polish library in Montreal
- we sponsored a trip of two children from a Polish School to a mathematics competition to Poland
- we have added to the purchase of the license to display the Polish movie "The Butler" (Kamerdyner)
- we funded two awards for adults - finalists of the 'Dictation' competition at the Polish school
- we co-financed the action of planting a tree commemorating the 100 years of Polish Independence.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020!
President - Ewa Zadarnowska
2018 Annual Report
The 54th year of the activities of our branch is coming to an end. During this year, we organized both big and small events and celebrations.
The big ones included the 36th Children Poetry Reciting Contest, celebrattion of the 100th anniversary of the Independence of Poland, the exhibition "Polish Spirit", and the Literary Cafe „Faces of Polish Women” with the lecture by Prof. Evelina Banka from Poland.
The smaller ones consisted of meetings with artists - painters, a film screening for Polonia and other ethnic groups. Detailed information on the above-mentioned events can be found on our website www.federacjapolek.ca/ottawa under the "sprawozdania" tag (in Polish).
In cooperation with the Social Planning Council in Ottawa (SPCO), we held meetings with various ethnic groups, participated in their events and invited them to ours. We took part in the walkathon, organized for the first time by SPCO. We raised $ 640, to which we added $ 360 and donated $ 1,000 to the Department of Polish Language at the University of Ottawa.
We worked with the Canadian Polish Congress and the Association of Polish Combatants in Ottawa. We supported Paderewski’s Choir, the Dance Group Polanie and the Polish Library in Montreal, all of which we subsidized this year.
We assisted seniors, especially lonely ones, by maintaining regular telephone contacts with them. We visited patients in hospitals and, if the need arose, provided transportation to doctors. And, foremost we are fostering friendly relations among the members of our branch.
Ending this busy year, we wish all members of all branches of the Polish Women’s Federation in Canada and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2017 Annual Report
- December 2017 – December 2nd President Ewa Zadarnowska received the prestigious #OC150
Award which recognized 150 Ottawa residents (50 women, 50 men and 50 youth between 12 and 25 years old)
for their outstanding volunteer contributions. The award ceremony took place in Richcraft Hall at Carleton
University in Ottawa. MC Stephen Keyes (CTV journalist and volunteer), the awards were presented by MPP Yasir Naqvi,
also present were Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Carleton University vice-rector Alastair Summerlee
who made short speeches during the reception that followed the award ceremony.
Pictures here. - November 2017 – November 25 ladies from our Branch met at Ottawa’s Canal Ritz restaurant.
The conversation around the table was animated and at times heated, at times light and even down-to-Earth.
Photos: here - November 2017 – November 11 as part of the celebrations of Canada’s 150th anniversary a very
interesting event took place in Centrepointe Studio Theatre. Our member Marzanna Bednarek participated in the
poetry recitation organized by Four Seasons Poetry Society. She recited the poem “The Furthest/Greatest Distance
in the World” by Rabindranath Tagore in Polish – as part of a multi-language recitation by representatives of
different nationalities in their native tongues.
Photos: here. - October 2017 – during the Branch meeting on October 18 members decided to support the Mexico Earthquake
Relief fund to help with reconstruction after the earthquakes that devastated Mexico in September 19; the most
affected areas were Mexico City and the States of Morelos and Puebla. Soon after our donation was transferred we
received a thank you note from the Mexican-Canadian Cultural Association of Ottawa-Gatineau.
You can see the thank you note and a few pictures here. - September 2017 – On September 27 some ladies from our Branch visited with the seniors from
the Polish Canadian Congress-affiliated “Ognisko” group. We brought pizza to their weekly Wednesday tea and spent
a pleasant afternoon in conversation. Maggie-the-dog was also a guest at the tea and sends her sincere
thanks for the morsels that too frequently “fell” from the table.
See photo here. - September 2017- On September 23 president Ewa Zadarnowska and ladies from our Branch participated
in the ceremony to unveil the commemorative plaque for the 1050th anniversary of the christening of Poland.
The plaque is located in Ottawa’s Centrepointe Park next to the oak planted to mark the occasion. The project was
an initiative of the Ottawa-area Polish Canadian Congress and was supported by all member organizations.
Photos of this event: here. - September 2017 – On September 21 our member Marysia Borys together with other ethnic groups
visited the MosaiCultures exhibit in Gatineau commemorating Canada’s 150 anniversary.
The excursion was part of the activities organized by the Social Planning Council Ottawa.
Photos of this event: here. - August 2017 – On August 23 president Ewa Zadarnowska was invited to meet with a group of young Chinese-Canadians
and seniors members of the Kanata Chinese Seniors support Centre.
The event was part of a series of meetings to share memoirs and stories of immigrating to Canada and
adapting to the new circumstances in a new country. Ewa Zadarnowska represented PCWF as part of the “My story...” project.
Photo from this event: here. - August 2017 – On August 1st and 2nd the Rideau Canoe Club organized its second Paddle-A-Thon.
Our member Marysia Borys participated with an ambitious plan of paddling 150 minutes to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
And while she did not reach her goal (it was her first Paddle-A-Thon + the heat) we are proud of her success:
she raised an additional $350 for the RCC. In preparing for this event she was helped by ladies from our Branch.
Photos of this event: here. - July 2017 – On July 18 a group of seniors (Ethno-cultural Seniors group) met at a lunch to celebrate the success
of the Canada Day Sharing Dance Perfomance prepared for the celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Ladies from our Branch attended the luncheon.
Photos of this event: here. - June 2017 – President Ewa Zadarnowska attended the 124 AGM of the National Council of Women of Canada was held in Ottawa
from June 22 to the 25th . Among the delegates were members of the Board of Directors of the International Council of Women.
On Wednesday after the opening gala they visited the National Art Gallery and the Museum of History.
Friday evening the first female ambassador of France hosted a cocktail party complemented with a guided tour
of the embassy’s stylish art deco building.
Some pictures of this event: here. - June 2017 – on June 17 the Social Planning Council’s Ethno-Cultural Coalition held its last meeting before the summer break, discussing the latest accomplishments. Next meeting will be held in September. Photo.
- June 2017- between June 2 and 18 a series of concerts and presentations titled “Poland: For Canada with Love” was organized in the International Pavilion on 531 Sussex Dr as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. Ladies of our Branch were frequent guests at these events. Photo.
- April 2017 – On April 30 we organized the 35th Polish Poetry Recitation Contest for Children and Youth
which was held at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa.
Results of the Contest are available here and photos can be seen here. - April 2017 – On April 29 our Branch organized a pierogi making and tasting masterclass for seniors from Ottawa and the Social Planning Council at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa. Polish cooking is healthy and tasty and the popularity of pierogi in Canada is proof of that. The masterclass demonstrated all stages of pierogi making from preparing the dough, the filling and followed by a demonstation of pierogi making in which attendees were invited to participate. Guests were very interested in the process of making pierogi and also enjoyed eating them. Traditional cheese and potato pierogis were as popular as always but also the vegetarian lentil pierogi served with butter, sour cream or fried onion pleasantly surprised our guests. Photos from the event are here
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January 2017 – on January 15 at the Polish Combatants Hall in Ottawa we hosted another one of our Literary Cafes.
Our guest this time was the author of a book about the Ontario Kashub area: “Creating Kashubia –
History, Memory, and Identity in Canada’s First Polish Community.” Our Branch had helped
in financing the publishing of this book by McGill-Queen’s University Press. The meeting was
organized jointly with the Polish Heritage Foundation.
Pictures of the event: here
2016 Annual Report
Our efforts this year have focused on outreach and personal contact across generations and cultures.
In Spring we organized the XXXIVth edition of the Poetry Recitation Contest for children and youth. We had 28 contestants from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto divided in three age groups. Winners received medals, diplomas and monetary awards. All participants received participation diplomas and sweets. The guests appreciated the high quality of the contest, and we are now preparing for the XXXV Jubilee contest which coincides with Canada’s Sesquicentennial.
For the older generation we prepared two Literary Cafes: one in Spring and one in the Fall. In April our guest was Dr Wojciech Kruszewski, lecturer of the Humanities Department of the Catholic University in Lublin, Poland, and guest lecturer for the 2015/2016 academic year at the Department of Slavic Studies of the University of Ottawa.
Prof. Kruszewski gave us a wonderful overview of the current literary landscape in Poland. His passionate discussion was insightful and full of good humour. An animated question and answer period followed. Everyone found something of interest and a reading suggestion for the near future.
Our Fall Literary Cafe welcomed Liliana Arkuszewska, an Ottawa resident who wrote a memoir detailing her adventures and experiences that led to immigrating to Canada. The title of her book „Was it worth it?” – suggests a story of risk-takers and ground-breakers who dared part towards the unknown in search of a better life. Did they find what they were looking for? The author recounts her everyday struggle to succeed in a new world, the joys and trials, the fulfilled dreams and disappointments. Liliana was joined for this talk by her daughter, husband, sister and brother-in-law who are prominent characters of her story. This was her first talk in Ottawa, after presentations in Poland and USA. Participants greatly enjoyed the story that in many ways reflects their own immigrantion experience.
Guests at both events praised the choice of topics as well as the overall organization of the afternoons with delicious homemade treats and a warm decor carefully prepared by our volunteers.
We thank the Polish Combatant’s Association for allowing us to use their Hall for these events as well for helping us make them a success.
The topic of immigration is of interest to many ethnic groups. Ewa Zadarnowska was a guest of the Chinese seniors group where she shared her own road to life in Canada.
Our activities also include participating and collaborating with other organizations, as well as charitable giving. Highlights include:
- Collaboration with Social Planning Council activities for isolated seniors
- Annual Meeting of the Ottawa Council of Women, attended by president Ewa Zadarnowska and Maria Borys. Ewa Zadarnowska was re-elected Convenor for Arts and Culture
- raising of the Polish Flag conmemorating the Constitution of May 3rd at Ottawa City Hall. Ewa Zadarnowska and Ewa Konopacka were guests of honour in additional related celebrations which coincided with the visit to Canada by President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and his wife.
- During the Independence Day celebrations The Canadian Polish Congress awarded the golden merit recognition to president Ewa Zadarnowska, Barbara Woźniak and Vera Ramik.
- Barbara Woźniak received the Ontario Volunteer Award for 25 years of volunteer contributions to Polish-Canadian society.
- Financial contribution to support the Polish Language Chair at the Department of Slavic Studies at the University of Ottawa.
- Donations:
- Post stamps for Oxfam Canada’s program Ending Violence Against Women.
- Gently worn shoes were collected for the needy
- Tools for a course for the unemployed organized by Social Planning Council.
Finally, our Branch was well represented during the 60th Anniversary Banquet of the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation held in Toronto in September. We enjoyed the results of the hard-working dedication of the organizing committee: Katarzyna Grandwilewska, Anna Wołochacz, Irena Kremblewska, Alicja Kotynia and Iwona Bogorya-Buczkowski (coordinator). Mrs Magda Szewczyk was Master of Ceremony. We extend our thanks for a moving and beautiful celebration!
More information and pictures of our activities can be found at www.federacjapolek.ca/Ottawa.
Christmas Holidays are coming...
The magic of Christmas is a child’s belief in Santa Claus, a quiet conversation by the fireplace, a lazy telephone, a sleepy alarm clock and a light sprinkle of snow that brightens everything. We wish our Ladies and their Families a Magic Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Translated by Maria Borys
2015 Annual Report
This year we continued supporting significant initiatives in our Polish-Canadian community. We joined the efforts led by the Polish Canadian Congress to prevent the closure of the Polish Studies Program at the University of Ottawa. Charitable causes we aided include the Polish Scouts, Council of Women initiatives and the rebuilding of destroyed Polish church in Sydney N.S.
In April we held our popular XXXIII Recitation Contest where children and youth delighted the audience with their knowledge of Polish language poetry; and received awards in the form of medals, wonderful books and sweets to encourage their efforts.
In May we remembered our past member Wanda Zatlokal-Garlicka†(1924-2014) on the first anniversary of her death. Her legacy is being honoured with a scholarship in her name awarded to a student from Hamilton.
In the Fall we were busy with our annual book sale fundraiser and our president's participation in the Federation's AGM. Our work with the Ethno-cultural Coalition included preparing the Second International Brunch in Ottawa. It was a very successful afternoon with tasty food and beautiful dances by Polish, Bulgarian and Bosnian groups, serenaded by a lively Serbian band (see below in 2014 - 2015).
Six of our members received the Ontario Volunteer Award: Jadwiga Święcicka, Renia Miszkiel, Czesława Kwiatkowska, Marzena Kuźma, Grażyna von Finckenstein and Maria Borys.
We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our Ottawa Branch Number 8 with an outing and a Brunch in a Gatineau Hills restaurant. As predicted by Sir L. H. Lafontaine, we continue to seek “the happiness and prosperity of Canada and endeavour to transmit it to our descendants in this young and hospitable country”.
Our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2016.
Maria Borys
2014 Annual Report
This year we continued supporting significant initiatives in our Polish-Canadian community: Young Talents Contest in Toronto, Polish Heritage Day at the ROM, and Support to the Polish Studies Program at the University of Ottawa led by the Polish Canadian Congress to prevent the closure of the program. Charitable causes we supported include the Polish Scouts, Council of Women initiatives and the annual action by Sister Daniela to help women in the Ukraine.
Our cultural activities this year included in January the exhibition of 15 Polish Spirit panels dedicated to Polish-Canadians who had a special presence in Ottawa. The closing of the exhibit at the Bytowne Museum was celebrated with a well-attended Polish Evening.
In April we held our XXXII Recitation Contest where children and youth delighted the numerous audience with their knowledge of Polish language poetry; and received awards in the form of medals, wonderful books and sweets to encourage their efforts.
In May we received the sad news of the passing of our long-time distinguished member Wanda Garlicka (†5.05.2014) Wanda was president of our Branch in 1970-1971; she was an active member of several polish-canadian organizations in Ottawa. She will be remembered and her legacy is being honoured with her generous donation towards the Jadwiga Dobrucka Youth Fund.
In June we participated in the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the Beechwood Cementery, honouring Dr Jerzy Dobrowolski.
In the Fall we were busy with our annual booksale fundraiser and our president's participation in the Polish Canadian Congress AGM. We also received the approval of our Articles of Continuance from Industry Canada, thus complying with the transition to the new Not-For Profit Act requirements to continue our activities as a not-for profit, non-soliciting canadian corporation.
This year three of our long-time members received the Ontario Volunteer Award:for 50 years of volunteering work: Wera Ramik, Ewa Konopacka and Renia Forester.
This year also marks the 50 Anniversary of our Ottawa Branch Number 8. We will let you know next year how we celebrated this special date.
Our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015.
Maria Borys
2014 - 2015
- The Ethnocultural Coalition's International Brunch was held in Ottawa on October 3rd. As a member of this organization our
Branch hosted the event which took place at the Polish Combatants' Hall. There was an opportunity to taste culinary
specialities from different parts of the world, enjoy performances by artists of several nationalities living in Ottawa
and participate in a silent auction.
Pictures: here.
- Our Branch celebrated the 50 anniversary. You can learn about the beginnings of the organization right here: it started like a ghost story...
read more...
In June 2014 three of our members: Vera Ramik, Eva Konopacka and Renia Forester has been awarded Ontario Volunteer Award for 50 years of volunteer work. In June 2015 a few other members: Grazyna von Finckenstein, Jadwiga Swiecicka and Marzena Kuzma were awarded the same Award for 10 years of volunteer work, Renia Miszkiel for 40 years, Czeslaw Kwiatkowska for 10 years and Maria Boris for 5 years. Congratulation!br On the occasion of the anniversary we had a special lunch in a charming restaurant. See some pictures here
2013 Annual Report
We finished last year 2012 with the third annual Christmas Tree Decoration at the Museum of Civilization, a great opportunity to showcase the Polish traditional decorations in Canada’s capital. Christmas Tree
Our Branch is a member of the Ottawa chapter of the National Council of Women. Our president Ewa Zadarnowska was elected Convenor of Cultural Affairs.
We are members of the Ethno-cultural Coalition and actively support their activities, among others fundraiser the November 2013 International Brunch, which included a Silent Auction as well as traditional food. See Pictures here.
In December 2012 our member Anna Binkowska participated in the "Respect for Caregivers and Unpaid Work Roundtable" chaired by the Liberal Health Critic Hon. Dr Hedy Fry PC MP (Vancouver Centre), the discussion is part of a series organized by the National Liberal Women Caucus.
In March 2013 our Branch helped with preparations and promotion of the Polish Tourist Organization and the Ministry of the Economy stand at the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa's Convention Centre. Picture.
In April we organized the XXXI Annual Reciting Competition for children and youth. All the participants receive diplomas, medals, books and cash prizes.
Here are results of the 31st Annual Recital Competition
- Results and Pictures
In May many of us joined the Ottawa Marathon, walking the 5km race and have the medals to prove it!
We also continued our traditional start and end of summer activities in June and September, namely the BBQ at Barbara Wozniak for our Annual General Meeting and the SPA weekend in the Ontario Kashuby region which includes an overnight stay at the Polish scout’s quarters, lots of hiking and sightseeing and good food. (Pictures 1), (pictures 2), (pictures 3).
Our president Ewa Zadarnowska represented us in farewell to the Military Attaché Michal Peksa and his wife Dorota, as well as to the Ambassador Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz and his wife Mrs Katarzyna, who finished their respective diplomatic missions in Canada. Picture 1, picture 2, picture 3.
Black Ribbon Day and a meeting with Mrs Jadwiga Wisniewska were other highlights of the summer activities.
In September we organized the “Gone with the Wind” concert, a wonderful event with the audience singing along the good old tunes. Pictures
In November there were three events:
- Our traditional book sale where along with funds raised we are happy to see books saved from the recycling bin and get a second life in the hands of avid readers, especially children. Picture
- It was our turn this year to organize the November event commemorating 95th Independence Day. Among our distinguished guests was the Ambassador of Poland in Canada, HE Mr Marcin Bosacki and family, other members of the Embassy, leaders of the Polish organizations in Canada, the priest of St. Hyacinth’s Parish Father J.Jajesniak, OMI and numerous members of the community. A brief official ceremony was followed by an artistic show to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the January Upraising. Pictures
- The third and final event in November was the International Brunch with the Ethno-cultural Coalition. Pictures
Our Branch decided to allocate funds to two charitable causes this year: providing help to the hurricane victims in the Philippines and the building improvements fund of the Polish Parish in Ottawa.
Finally we would like to boast of the awards received by several of our members this year: Ewa Zadarnowska – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (picture), Wanda Garlicka – Volunteer Service Award for 50 years of volunteering; Barbara Owczarek, Elzbieta Gamrat and Malgorzata Boczkowska (nominated by the Polish Teacher’s Union in Canada) who all received Volunteer Service Awards. Malgorzata Boczkowska – Golden Combatants Cross awarded by the Polish Combatants Association in Canada for her work as teacher and director of the Polish School “Wiktor Podolski” in Ottawa.
In light of the upcoming holiday season
We wish all of you a Peaceful, Healthy and Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New 2014 Year!
This report was prepared by Malgorzata Boczkowska and Maria Borys.
2012
- December 2012 - Starting December 1st., 2012 till January 7th., 2013 the Christmas tree decorated by our Branch will be prezented among the other Ottawa's organization trees in the Museum of Civilization, Gatineau, QC. Christmas Tree
- November 2012 - Used Book Sale - On Sunday morning in the Polish Parish meeting room our members were selling books.
- October 2012 - Tea Party at the Woman are Persons monument on the Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Pictures
- September 2012 - Our Branch took part in the Forum organized by the Ethnocultural Coalition of Ottawa to showcase work performed by volunteers from different Ethnic organizations. Each group prepared or took part in exhibits, powerpoint presentations and discussions with Funders. Picture
- June 2012 - BBQ at Basia's. Pictures
- May 2012 - XVII General Convention of the PWF organized by our Branch in Ottawa, May 18-20, 2012.
Ewa L. Zadarnowski is a new President of PWF. Congratulations!
More... and Pictures - May 2012 - Mr. Donald Tusk - Prime Minister of Poland and Hon. S. Harper - Prime Minister of Canada in Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Pictures
- April 15 - Results of the 30th Annual Recital Competition - Results and Pictures
2011
- December -Dec. 2011 - Jan. 9, 2012 - Polish Canadian Women’s Federation took part in the Canadian Museum
of Civilization’s Second Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge. See our Polish Tree here.
- November - President Ewa Zadarnowska was a guest at the commemoration of Poland's National Independence Day on November 11th organized by the Polish School in Ottawa. Mrs. Zadarnowski appears in the photo with members of the Polish Embassy, Polish Combatants Association, Superintendent of CCE, OCSB, teachers and students
- October - Meeting of representatives of the Polish Community with Prime Minister Steven Harper on Parliament Hill (see photo)
- October - Attended the annual Tea Party on Parliament Hill (see photo)
- October - Book sale at St. Hyacinth Polish Parish in Ottawa where used books, films and children's cassettes were sold (see photo)
- September - Friends of Library and Archives annual book sale (see photo)
- September - Annual rejuvination excursion by members of the organization, this year in Kaszuby Ontario (see photo)
- July - Members of the organization as guests at the dinner cruise in Ottawa organized by the Embassy of Poland in celebration of the Polish Government assuming the presidency of the European Union (see photo 1) and (see photo 2)
- June - President Ewa Zadarnowska accepting the Province of Ontario 20 year Volunteer Award (photo 1) and ( photo 2)
- June - Members of the organization at the annual spring bar-b-que hosted by one of the members where the wife of the Polish Ambassador, Mrs. Iatarzyna Kosiniak-Kamysz was a guest (see photo)
- June - President Ewa Zadarnowska accepting a diploma from the Ottawa Catholic School Board and from the Polish Language School in Ottawa in recognition of her management of the school library (photo 1) and (photo 2)
- May - Photo 1: collection of medals for participation in the annual Walkathon for the past 10 years. Photo 2: group picture of members of the organization who participated in this year's Walk
- April - Results of the 29th Annual Recital Competition and 8th Annual Literary Competition (see photo). - Results of the XXIX Poetry Competition and VIII Writing Competition for Children and Pictures
- February - Report sent to the Council of Women. Our Branch is a member of the Council.
2010
- December 2010 - January 9, 2011 - Polish Canadian Women’s Federation is pleased to invite
you to view and vote for the special tree we have decorated as part of the Canadian Museum
of Civilization’s First Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge.
Polish Canadian Women’s Federation is one of 18 local community groups chosen to decorate a tree as part of a competition to celebrate the festive season and promote our organizations. Each group was given a 2.5 m (8-foot) tree and an electrical supply; the rest was up to our imaginations!
All 18 of the colourfully festooned trees are on view in the Museum’s Special Exhibitions Corridor (Level 2, across from the main entrance), where members of the public can admire them and vote for their favourite.
The community organizations include a wide range of local interests, representing the arts, sports, health and cultural groups. Each created a tree that expresses our group’s identity and mission, and reflects the way in which we want to be viewed by the world. The results are as impressive as they are diverse!
Our tree decorated with handmade decorations represents traditional Polish family Christmas tree.
The trees will be on display until January 9, 2011, when the Museum of Civilization will announce the winner of the First Annual Festive Trees Decorating Challenge. This season’s winner will be invited back next year to decorate an even larger tree.
We hope you have a chance to see our tree as well as those of the other community groups. Thank you for your support, and enjoy the festive season! - January 10, 2010 - Opening of the Polish Spirit Exhibit organized by the Polish Canadian Women's Federation
and sponsored by a grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation at the Polish Hall (Dom Polski SPK), Ottawa.
Learn more about 60 Canadians of Polish heritage ...here...
Pictures: Polish Spirit - Ottawa
2002 - 2008
- May 16, 2008 - Bytown Exhibit Review by the Now EMC Ottawa East
- May 6, 2008 - Celebrating 150 years of Canada’s Polish Kashub heritage, Bytown Museum Exhibit
- March 8, 2007 - STATUS OF WOMEN CANADA
- May 11, 2002 - Top-notch jazz at Ottawa Public Library
Photos:
2020
- Christmas gifts for Polish children in Poland, December 2020
Pictures
- At the Billings Bridge Estate parc, August 16, 2020
Pictures
- We said goodbye to our dear friend and vicepresident Maria Borys, who died May 12, 2020.
Movie shot for Maria by her friends from the Rideau Canoe Club
Maria reads her poems: here
- March. 8, 2020 - Celebrating the International Women's Day. Lunch at Ewa'a house with
homemade delicious food, wine and coffee. And lots of talking, talking, talking, as ladies love to do.
Pictures
2019
- Oct. 17, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Evening of poetry and music dedicated to the work of the great Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert -
"Meeting Mr. Cogito"
Pictures - Sept. 21, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
The meeting as a part of our Literary Cafe series. We hosted for the second time Mrs. Liliana Arkuszewska, an Ottawa author of the autobiographical book "WAS IT WORTH IT" - Columbus in Jeans."
Pictures - Aug. 21, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Unforgettable afternoon at Evelina's, the member of our Branch. Thank you Evelina!
Pictures - Jul. 6, 2019 - Celebrating the 55 anniversary of our Branch:
Lunch at the "Mandarin" restaurant. We invited the Consul of Poland Aleksandra Kucy, and Mrs. Małgorzata Chmura who cooperated with us from the beginning of her post in our city.
Pictures
2008
- May 6, 2008 - Celebrating 150 years of Canada’s Polish Kashub heritage, Bytown Museum Exhibit
2005
- January 2, 2005 - Christmas at The Canadian Polish Congress - Ottawa District
2004
- December 2004 - Santa Claus in Polish School Ottawa
- October 29, 2004 - Play by K. Braun " Helena - story about polish artist in USA - Modrzejewska"
- September 15, 2004 - Cabaret "Od Opery do Afery"
- April 18, 2004 - Poetry Competition number XXII
2003
- November 14, 2003 - Evening with an author - Anna Łabieniec
- October 18, 2003 - Forum of the Polish-Canadian Women's Federation
- October 4, 2003 - Christmas Exchange "Bake Sale"
- September 2003 - Excursion to Barry's Bay, Wilno and the Museum of Ontario's "Kaszuby"
- August 25, 2003 - Handing of scholarship to Stefan Wójcikiewicz
- May 2003 - Concert "Ballads from Vilnius, Lithuania" and excursion to Ontario's "Kaszuby"
- Spring 2003 - Members of the Federation at work
- April 2003 - History of the poetry competitions
- April 16, 2003 - Accession of the Polish Republic to the European Union
- April 6, 2003 - Poetry Competition number XXI
- Winter 2002-2003 - Members of the Federation at work
2002 and earlier
- October 2002 - General Convention of the Canadian Polish Congress (CPC)
- October 5, 2002 - Exhibition "Gold Fish"
- June 15 - November 15, 2000 - Exhibition, "Bytown" Museum
- 1999 - General Convention of the Polish-Canadian Women's Federation
Certificates and letters of Appreciation:
- Certificate of Recognition from Katarzyna Grandwilewska, the President of the PWF, in appreciation of the longstanding and dedicated service of our Branch 8 in Ottawa, dated October 17, 2019.
- Thank You Letter for participating in the Canadian Montessori Academy's 7th Annual International Day by contributing a gift representing Poland
- Letter, The Alexanders Family
- Christmas Exchange, 2004
- Ottawski Klub Teatralny, 2004
- Certificate of Appreciation, The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canada, 2004
- The W. Reymont Foundation, 2004
- W. Podoski Polish School of Ottawa, 2004
- Letter of Appreciation, University of Ottawa, 2002
- Certificate of Appreciation, Nepean Public Library, 2000
- Certificate of Appreciation, Nepean Public Library, 1999
- Letter of Appreciation, Central Library, Ben Franklin Place, 1999
List of University of Ottawa students receiving scholarships from Polish Canadian Women's Federation, Branch #8, Ottawa since 1981.
- Konrad Czechowski - science scholarschip 2020 - PhD student
- Stefan Wojcikiewicz - sports scholarship 2003 - badminton
- Elizabeth Skrobek
- Stanisaus Mazewski
- Joanna Ledger
- Benilda Silkowska-Masior
- Brian Tkach
- Paul Murray
- Louis Belanger
- Katharina May
- Nancy Rogers
- Helene Senechale
- Mireille Savard