CPC BC 80th Anniversary Luncheon

December 14 2024

NORTH VANCOUVER - The Canadian Polish Congress BC marked a historic milestone with a special luncheon at the Holiday Inn in North Vancouver, celebrating 80 years since the founding of the Canadian Polish Congress. Held on December 14, 2024, this memorable event brought together community members, leaders, and distinguished guests to reflect on the Congress’s rich history, honor dedicated volunteers, and look ahead to the future of Polish-Canadian advocacy in British Columbia.

The event was expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Emma McLaren, who set a warm and celebratory tone for the afternoon. The highlight of the program was a keynote address by guest speaker Margaret Ostrowski, K.C., author of Lost Legacies: Learning from Ancestral Stories for Inspiration and Policy-Making Today. Her speech provided insightful reflections on the importance of preserving and learning from our shared heritage, offering inspiration for the ongoing work of the Congress in representing the Polish-Canadian community.

Among the honored guests was MLA Lynne Block, who joined in recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Congress’s longstanding volunteers. Their dedication has been instrumental in fostering cultural awareness, supporting Polish heritage initiatives, and strengthening the community’s presence in British Columbia.

As part of the celebration, the Canadian Polish Congress BC presented awards to several individuals for their outstanding service. Diplomas of Merit were awarded to:

Kamil Borys
Anton Christopher
Luciana Popp
Filip Jaworski

Silver Pins were awarded to:

Izabella Sobieski
Leszek Buczyłko
Andrzej Stasiak

These awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment of volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to preserving and promoting Polish heritage in British Columbia.

Special 80th Anniversary plaques were presented to leading Polonia organizations Polonez Tri-City, Polonez Dance Group, Polish Canadian Women's Federation, and Polish Combatants Association.

This special luncheon was made possible by the support of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with assistance from Stowarzyszenie Wspólnota Polska. Their support ensured the success of this event, helping to bring the community together in celebration of this historic milestone.

As we celebrate 80 years of the Canadian Polish Congress, we also look ahead with optimism and determination. The organization remains committed to advocating for Polish-Canadians, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors continues to inspire future generations.

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and contributed to this special occasion.

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