‘Elevator going up’ at Oseredok

Winnipeg

Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre (184 Alexander Ave.) has received funding from the City of Winnipeg to repair its elevator.

The $5,850 grant was made through the communities fund of Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) and will support urgent maintenance in line with provincial regulations.

The work will ensure that future visitors, including those with mobility issues, will be able to fully access all six levels of Oseredok’s collections, officials said. This includes the centre’s museum on the fifth floor, which houses the world’s largest collection of pysanky — traditional, hand-painted Easter eggs — outside Ukraine.

Andrew Konopelny, Oseredok vice-president, said in the statement that the organization is “no stranger to maintenance costs” and is grateful to Mayes for helping ensure visitors have continued access to Oseredok’s collections, archives, and event spaces, which are spread throughout the 114-year-old heritage building.

“I am delighted to support Oseredok’s elevator maintenance project – the museum is doing important work in this critical moment for Ukraine, and their funds should be devoted to that cause, not building repairs,” Mayes said.

Pictured (from left) are Andrew Konopelny, vice-president of Oseredok’s board of directors; Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital); Stephen Borys, Oseredok interim executive director; and Luba Demko, Oseredok president.