On Sunday, October 23, 2011, the 9th Annual Harvest Tea was hosted at the parish hall of Resurrection Church, in Hamilton, by a group of dedicated women who, over these years, have been assisting Ukrainian orphans in need.
This year, guest speakers included members of the Global Smiles organization: Marisa Fortino (photo on far left), Ada Naguit (far right in center photo) and James Fish (third from left, center photo), and on behalf of Maurice Tuck and the Loads of Love mission, Bohdan Bodnar and Marie Tuck, Maurice’s mother (photo on right).
On a chance meeting with MC, Stephen Szpak, Marisa Fortino, of Global Smiles, discovered the work of the UOIN committee and took immediate interest. At this year’s Harvest Tea, she shared with those present the work of Global Smiles. Global Smiles began as her own local initiative to provide free dental work for those in need in the Hamilton area, with the volunteer help of other dentist friends. Later, she and her friends took this mission to Haiti and other parts of the world, teaching the people about the importance and the how-to of good dental hygiene, as well as providing direct dental care. Having heard of the Ukrainian Orphans in Need organization, and the people they serve, she and her colleagues are now interested in taking their ministry to Ukraine.
Also on a chance meeting, friend of the UOIN committee, Bohdan Bodnar, encountered Maurice Tuck, originally of the east coast, who, having experienced a life conversion, has already spent two years in Ukraine, doing mission work with the Loads of Love mission. Maurice, who was to speak on his own experience, was called away on mission; Don Bodnar offered his slide presentation on his behalf. Maurice’s mother, Marie Tuck, gave a brief introduction on Maurice’s conversion story.
Sandy Walker, friend of the UOIN Committee, once again, has offered her craft talent in knitted articles for the orphans of Ukraine this year. She was present for this year’s Harvest Tea, offering several bags of brand new items, and a monetary donation to cover shipping costs. For her great efforts and generous heart, a big “Thank you, once again!”
Stephen Szpak, administrator of the Villa Kiev Senior Citizen Homes, was Master of Ceremonies for this event. On behalf of the Villa Kiev residents, he also offered the UOIN Committee a generous donation, proceeds from their generous efforts in pyrohy making and sales, which has been their annual contribution.
Entertainment was provided again this year by accordionist, Mike Soroka, of Kitchener.
