Both with strong ties to Canora, Ken Mazur and the late Helen Danylchuk were recognized for their promotion and preservation of Ukrainian culture at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s Nation Builders and Community Recognitions Awards program in Saskatoon on Sunday.

The prestigious annual event, which was initially launched in 1995, has recognized many people with ties to Canora over the last 20 years. Awards are usually bestowed in two categories: the Nation Builders Award for those who have made meritorious contributions that have made a significant impact or left a legacy to the Ukrainian community; and the Community Recognition Awards for those who have made meritorious contributions in one or more of the following areas: leadership, volunteerism, cultural preservation and development and/or creativity and innovation to the Ukrainian community.

Mazur, who now lives in Regina, is being recognized for cultural preservation and development, and volunteerism; while Danylchuk’s award is being bestowed posthumously for cultural preservation and development.

            A special award was presented this year to David Dutchak of Blaine Lake and Saskatoon for his leadership in facilitating the “Ambulances for Ukraine” humanitarian project, which saw the delivery of four fully equipped ambulances to Ukrainian hospitals treating those wounded in armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. One of those ambulances was donated by Duck Mountain Ambulance Care from Kamsack

            In total, besides Dutchak’s award, there were three Nation Builders Awards presented and seven Community Recognition Awards.

Helen Danylchuk

            Helen (Torbiak) Danylchuk, who lived from October 28, 1944 to April 17, 1996, received a Community Recognition Award posthumously.

Born the third eldest of seven children to Michael and Catherine Torbiak, she came from a family with hardworking parents, whose faith was very important and strong, as were their Ukrainian Catholic beliefs and traditions, according to the biography prepared by Danylchuk’s children.

“This hard work, deep faith, love and dedication to one’s family members was what Helen grew up with and passed on to her own daughters,” states her biography.

She attended Dehowa Elementary School and Poplar Field Collegiate. In 1961, she attended Manitoba Teachers’ College in Winnipeg and found her first teaching job at Ringrose School when she was just 17 years of age. From 1962 to 1967 she continued with her own education at the University of Manitoba while also teaching at various schools. It was at St. Andrew’s College at the University of Manitoba that she met her future husband, Zenovey Danylchuk, while he was studying medicine.

Helen earned her education degree in 1967 and in August of that year, she and Zenovey were married. After he received his medical degree in 1970, they moved to Canora where Zenovey joined his father (Alexander) in a family medical practice.

Canora became their home and it was the place where they decided to raise a family. Though she chose not to continue her formal teaching profession, like her mother, she chose to become involved in all aspects of her children’s education thus becoming involved with children of all ages.

“Many organizations benefited from Helen’s tenacious, hardworking personality,” states her biography. “Whatever position Helen held, she was always well prepared, well informed and had a plan ready to go. She joined the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora and became actively involved in creating a Sadochok program for pre-school and school-aged children. She directed the Sunday School program choirs. She was the CYMK parent supervisor.”

Because she loved to sing, hers was always a strong voice in the church choir.

Danylchuk was a member of the Maria Markovych Branch (Canora) of the Ukrainian Women’s Association where she held executive and committee positions. Other organizations that benefited from the generosity of her knowledge and hard work were: the Canora Figure Skating Club, school band, Parkland Music Festival and the Canora Veselka Dance School.

            She served nine years as an elected member of the Canora School Division board. Always keeping herself informed on educational issues locally, provincially and federally, she brought that knowledge to the board table. One of the causes she chose to champion was providing the infrastructure to keep instruction of the Ukrainian language in the Canora schools. She served as vice-chairperson of the school board from 1985 to 1991. During this period, a major renovation project was being planned for the Canora Composite School. She was a member of the construction committee for that project.

“Helen’s dedication and great sense of humour endeared her to all those around her. She was a great inspiration to her community,” states her biography.

Danylchuk’s biography was prepared by her four daughters: Larissa (Brent) Van Caeseele, Lesia (Dale) Kushner, Paula (Brad) Onysko and Patrusia (Robert) Rudy. Her husband, Dr. Zenovey Danylchuk, died on August 16, 2006. She has six grandchildren.

Ken Mazur

            Ken Mazur’s biography centres on his work to preserve the Ukrainian culture and he continues to volunteer for numerous projects designed to preserve and promote the culture.

            The youngest of three children born to Joseph and Lena (Skibinsky) Mazur, Ken grew up on a farm near Donwell. His was a Ukrainian-speaking household and Ken was influenced by his cultural roots. His parents died before he reached 30 and he realized that he wanted to learn more about his family history and genealogy, so he made a point of seeking out his cultural connections.

Education was always important to Mazur. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in electronics and communications from the University of Saskatchewan and an MBA with a major in business management from the University of Regina. He also has received a certificate in Internet marketing from the University of British Columbia.

Throughout his working career (mainly with SaskTel), he was always involved with leading edge technology. Even after many years of employment with SaskTel and now in retirement, Mazur continues to build and refurbish computers for schools in the Computers For Schools program in Regina. He currently sits on the University of Regina Senate and has a lifetime membership in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.

According to his biography, “Ken has always been a strong believer in the importance of community and bringing together diverse groups. He has had a great influence on the Regina Ukrainian community, and his energy and commitment have provided the community with much to be proud of.”

Mazur is credited for helping to revitalize the branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Regina, where he has served as president. He has served as vice-president for the Regina branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and has been involved in many projects, including hosting the Canada-Ukraine Scientific Internship Program, a University of Regina exchange program with the University of Ivano-Frankivsk.

His dedication and enthusiasm are evident in his work within the community, states his biography. Mazur has been a long-time member of the organizing committee for the Adult Ukrainian Language Immersion Course at Crystal Lake.

His biography speaks of his outgoing personality which has made him a valuable liaison for newcomers to Regina with his hands-on involvement in the settlement program. He has been a volunteer to numerous organizations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association, Ukrainian dance organizations, the Ukrainian National Federation, and the Kyiv Pavilion at Mosaic.

Using his skills and knowledge, he volunteers weekly as a DJ (programmer) for the Muzyka Ukraine radio program in Regina, and he sings with the Iskra Ukrainian Choir.

Mazur has two children, Erin Wood and Daniel Mazur, and his partner is Wendy Heuchert.