From left: MPP Donna Cansfield, Andrea Kardasz, Natalie Kardasz,
Darka Kardasz, Peter Kardasz, MP Ted Opitz.
Another incredibly deserving member of the Ukrainian-Canadian community in Toronto is the most recent recipient of not one, but two prestigious government awards.
On Sunday, January 20th, amid family, friends and colleagues, Peter Kardasz received both the Etobicoke Centre Community Recognition Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exemplary service in the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Mr. Kardasz, President of the League of Ukrainian Canadians (Etobicoke/Mississauga branch), is a very active member of the community. His involvement in the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), the Baturyn Concert Marching Band, the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Community Centre, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress spans decades, including instilling the value of community to his two daughters. Mr. Kardasz is a regular at conferences regarding Canadian-Ukrainian relations, luncheons and banquets hosting members of the Canadian government, and social events with fellow Ukrainian colleagues.
Natalie Kardasz, his youngest daughter, said she had no words to describe how proud she was of her father’s accomplishments.
“I recognize and appreciate all of the responsibilities my father has taken on in order to make even just a small difference in our community,” she said. “He has been an inspiration to me.”
The first award was presented by Donna Cansfield, Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre at the Neilson Park Creative Centre, and the second by Mr. Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre.
“[Peter] has worked tirelessly to promote democracy in Ukraine and has been an invaluable contributor in advising me and the Government of Canada along with other stake holders on the issues in Ukraine and its impact on the Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada,” MP Opitz said. “It was an honour presenting Mr. Kardasz with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.”
His wife Darka chuckled at the end of Mr. Kardasz’s speech where he thanked her for not changing the locks every time he left home to attend a meeting for one of the various groups he coordinates.
“I’m proud and happy for him to finally be recognized for all the work that he does. Most of the work is done quietly behind the scenes where no one realizes who is responsible, and he has set a great example for our daughters who also volunteer a lot,” she said.
A crowd gathered at the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Community Centre in Etobicoke to support Mr. Kardasz as he humbly accepted the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
“Even though these two awards are presented to an individual, we must recognize that it is not just the work of one individual, but a community of people,” Mr. Kardasz said in his acceptance speech. “It is on their behalf that I accept this honour.”
Marika Washchyshyn
The Canadian Conference in Support of Ukraine
congratulates Mr. Peter Kardasz for his awards,
and wishes him further accomplishments for the good
From left: MPP Donna Cansfield, Andrea Kardasz, Natalie Kardasz,
