Schedryk Children Return 'To A Most Tresured Place"
1994
The dedication and hard work of the hundreds of behind the scenes volunteers may not seem glamorous but without them, the International Choral Kathaumixw would not be possible. They are the unsung heroes of the event.
They raised money to sponsor choirs, they billeted people in their homes and they drove participants to and from events. And the list goes on.
The Kathaumixw committee wanted to invite the previous winners from the last five events to sing at the 19th anniversary of the festival. Although Shchedryk Children’s choir of the Ukraine wanted to come, they could not afford the trip.
members of the United Church found out Shchedryk needed financial assistance to attend Kathaumixw, they rose to the challenge.
Doreen Smith, a spokesperson for the group that spearheaded the fundraising effort said it “was really a community effort although it was spearheaded by some members of the United Church.”
In total, this group raised $25, 000 to bring the choir to Powell River as one of Kathaumixw choirs in residence.
“We decided we would raise the money for Kathaumixw who would arrange for these people to come,” said Smith.
The Shchedryk Children’s Choir sang at Kathaumixw four years ago and won first prize. The committee dedicated to bringing the choir back knew it was important for the choir as performers, as well as for health reasons to return in 1994.
Members of this choir live in Kiev, a city that is located within 90 km of Chernobyl where the aftereffects of the 1986 nuclear disaster can still be felt today.
The long term effects of radiation sickness include a decreased immune system. Children and older people are most susceptible to illness following exposure.
‘The children were so pale when they came,” said interpreter Rimma Putilina, who is also an associate professor of English at the Institute of Public relations and local government at the cabinet of ministries of the Ukraine.
“I don’t know what is more important,” she said shaking her head. “the health of the children which has been reconstructed while here or the competition. “
Putlina says the children quickly picked up once they were fed vitamins, good food and juice and were able to relax.