Ukrainian carolers break the ice in aftermath of storm

by Christopher Guly

OTTAWA - Though the Ottawa branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress isn't planning any organized relief effort to help out victims of the recent ice storm that devastated the area, the local Ukrainian Social Services (USS) decided that when the power is out, music has a way of warming things up.

A group of USS-types recently made their way to serenade about 50 residents of the Abbotsford Senior Center in the upscale Ottawa neighborhood, the Glebe. While the Ottawa-Carleton area remained in a state of emergency to assist the thousands of residents without electricity and heat following a punishing storm that ravaged the region from January 5 to 9, the band of 11 troubadours - some bedecked in the traditional Ukrainian embroidered wardrobe - belted out eight songs during a 30-minute concert on January 10.

The performance so charmed Winnipeg-born Ukrainian Canadian Mae Negrich, 85, that she joined in the koliady.

No doubt encouraged by the heartwarming reception, the USS volunteers continued their Julian Christmas caroling the following day. But while the holiday cheer may warm the cockles of those hearts touched by the carols, it's still not enough to heat the homes in nearby rural areas, which can be without power for weeks.

That point isn't lost on former UCC-Ottawa President Julia Woychyshyn. "It's nice that there's a group out there singing carols, but it would be even better to help out with some relief effort."

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 18, 1998, No. 3, Vol. LXVI

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