The Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM) in Ontario is continuing the largest fundraising campaign in its history to modernize Camp Veselka. The “Investing for the Future” Campaign aims to revitalize Veselka and ensure its viability for future generations. Located in the municipality of Halton Hills, Veselka is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2019. It has long been a summer destination for Ukrainian Youth Association members and the large Ukrainian diaspora in Ontario. It may have been the place where you, your children, or grandchildren, learned about Ukraine’s rich cultural traditions, learned how to swim or build a fire, or where you made friends for life. It remains a special place where generations continue to share in their Ukrainian heritage, participate in sports activities and attend summer camp. The aging facilities on the property, however, are in need of renewal to ensure Camp Veselka remains a source of enjoyment for generations to come.
Thanks to the tremendous support of our branches, members and supporters, we have successfully completed Phase One of our targeted goal.
To guarantee the future sustainability of the property, the Veselka Development Committee is seeking to raise $600,000 to complete Phase Two.
At the same time, the Veselka Development Committee is researching new and innovative ways to sustain the property and turn it into an all-season, multi-use facility. The Committee envisions a property that can be rented for corporate events, retreats, meetings, winter, summer and sports camps, and various other events.
In consultation with the members of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Ontario, the Committee developed a three-phased Veselka Revitalization Plan aimed at modernizing key facilities. The priorities were determined by the needs of the membership.
Phase 1 of the Plan has already successfully been accomplished with the construction of the Michael Galandiuk kitchen pavilion. With generous grants from the Estate of Michael Galandiuk and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as well as a successful fundraising drive amongst our members and supporters, a new pavilion was constructed in 2016 containing a modern commercial kitchen.
Phase 2 of the Plan will address the aging pool. Built in 1970, the pool remains one of the most popular features of the camp. Over the years, harsh Ontario winters inflicted cracks in the pool’s coping, cement walls, and floor, requiring extensive annual maintenance and resulting in higher operating costs. Additionally, the pool suffers major water loss of 10 cm daily, risking well dry-up and resulting in little pressure to pool showers and toilets. To date, efforts to find the source of the leaks have not been successful.
Phase 3 of the Plan includes the partial or complete rebuild of the barracks or palanky. The Camp includes ten barracks in total. The development vision includes building two new winterized barracks and renovating the remaining eight.
With your investment, Veselka can be modernized for the benefit of future generations of members, and the greater Ukrainian community, for decades to come.