Recently while driving behind a bus, I noticed a Tryzub (Trident) on an advertisement and thought to myself, “Ukrainians are everywhere”! When I looked closer, I recognized one of our loyal president’s club member, Ms. JoAnne Gludish advertising her business!
Seeing the Tryzub being shown so proudly reminds me how much passion our community and UCC family members have towards their heritage. I contacted Ms. Gludish as soon as I got home and congratulated her on her success and commended her for her spirit in proudly showing her roots!
Ms. Gludish is an active UCC president’s club member, supporter, and sponsor of many past events. She believes that giving back and supporting the community you grew up in is extremely important. Ms. Gludish was born in Sudbury, ON, to a Ukrainian family. Her father came to Manitoba in his 20’s and worked as a farmer before moving to Sudbury. JoAnne’s mother was born in Manitoba before moving to Sudbury and marrying her future husband. JoAnne was born in Sudbury but moved to Toronto with her parents at the age of three. Like most other Ukrainian children, she was enrolled in a Ukrainian dance group, and her family worshipped at St. Nicholas’s Church in Toronto. When I asked Joanne why she chose to support and donate to the UCC, she said, “it is my duty and privilege to support my community and because of the UCC’s outstanding ability to represent the Ukrainian-Canadian interests.”
Thank you, Ms. Gludish, for your support and trust in our work, and we salute your pride in maintaining our heritage!
Janine Kuzma
National Fund Development Manager
