(PA Barveenok/Facebook)

By Derek Craddock

Obzhynky

Barveenok Dancers holding largest fundraiser of the year

Nov 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM

The biggest fundraiser for Prince Albert’s Ukrainian Dance Club is just hours away, and it’s completely sold out.

The Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers will be hosting Obzhynky, the Fall Harvest Celebration on Nov. 18 at Ches Leach Lounge.

President of the club Kayleigh Skomorowski explained why the event is so important.

“It serves as a fundraiser for our organization to help with operating costs and to keep dance accessible for kids in our community,” she said. “It also serves as a community building opportunity for our own greater community.”

In September, the club hosted an open house to showcase their programs to the community. It was also a way to share how far they’ve come since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Health restrictions and government shutdowns hit the Barveenok Dancers hard as they were unable to host practices, events, and fundraisers for years.

After restrictions were lifted, Barveeknok was in danger of shutting down because they didn’t have the fundraisers and participants were dropping.

Skomorowski said it’s a different story now, but they are still looking for dancers.

“We have had a lot of numbers increased in our adult classes, but we’re still struggling to get more kids in our numbers,” she said.

She is hoping the fundraiser on Saturday not only gives them the funds they need but also the publicity to the community.

Skomorowski added that despite the challenges, the Ukrainian community, those who dance and those who watch, has been strong.

“It’s very much about getting to know people, getting to meet people and just building that community piece within our club,” she said. “One of the things that makes Ukrainian dance unique is that inherent community that comes along with it.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com