Plast Winnipeg celebrate the old New Year and raise money for Ukraine

On the night of January 13-14, Ukrainians celebrate the "old" New Year. This event has long been characterized by a family dinner, generosity and a village carnival. The Ukrainian youth organization, Plast, preserves the traditions of its ancestors and gathers the Ukrainian-Canadian community around one table this evening. How do Canadians celebrate Ukrainian holidays far beyond the borders of Ukraine, and what traditions do they follow?

The Plast family of Winnipeg has been celebrating Malanka for more than seventy years and, as every year, they begin the evening with a Ukrainian folk song, glorifying the birth of Christ.

"Today, the entire Plastov family and our guests are celebrating Malanka - the Ukrainian old new year. We have been celebrating this tradition for years in Canada, and I hope we will continue it in the future," says Iryna Deneka.

At a time when a full-scale war is going on in Ukraine, it is important not only to preserve and spread cultural traditions, but also to provide Ukraine with material assistance. Therefore, the proceeds from tonight's dinner will be sent to the Plast Organization in Ukraine. The President of the Ukrainian Youth Organization, Marta Hnativ, says: "Part of our earnings will be given to "Plast" in Ukraine, which has currently formed itself into a volunteer headquarters. They deliver humanitarian aid throughout the country, both to the south and to the east, i.e. wherever there is an opportunity to reach, they provide medicine and other necessary things."

More than the two hundred people present at the event identified themselves as Ukrainians of the first, second, and even third generations. Both newly arrived Ukrainians and those who have lived in Canada all their lives see the preservation of Ukrainian culture, traditions and language as their main task.

"I was born and live in Canada, but I feel proud that I am Ukrainian. I am proud that I speak Ukrainian. I have visited Ukraine many times and communicate with my family and friends in my native language. And now I'm glad that many new arrivals are coming and I can communicate with them," says Natalka.

The Plastov family will continue to financially support the entire Ukrainian people and their defenders and hopes to celebrate Malanka next year with the joy of victory and peace in Ukraine.

Yuliia Kovalenko, Ukrainian View, U Multicultural.