April 3 2012 – Ukrainian Youth Association PLAST celebrates 100 Years

 A CENTURY OF VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

 PLAST Toronto celebrates this notable anniversary throughout 2012!

Thousands of Torontonians are joining in an international celebration. The year 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Ukrainian Youth Association PLAST, a scouting organization. Modeled on the international movement founded in the UK by Robert Baden-Powell, the PLAST organization was established in 1912. Coeducational from the beginning, PLAST adapts scouting ideals and combines them with a deep commitment to the Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Active in eight countries throughout the world, PLAST was transplanted to Canada in 1948, and is active in six cities across the country. PLAST’s Toronto chapter, with over 600 members, is the largest in Canada.

 Celebrations which have been planned for Toronto will be unique and exciting events, meant to reach out, not only to all past and current members of PLAST but to all communities in our city.

The Toronto PLAST 100th Anniversary Events will reflect the values and principles of the organization.

April marks the beginning of the celebrations with participation in a world-wide renewal of the PLAST oath, pledging allegiance to God, country and community.

In May all members of the Toronto chapter will take part in the ceremonial planting of 100 trees in a community park to reflect the organization’s commitment to local community service and respect for nature.

A special family event is planned for June – the “Spring Celebration” – weekend camping and a family picnic at the PLAST campground in Grafton, Ontario.

In August, Toronto members, along with hundreds of members from other countries, will travel to Ukraine to take part in an International PLAST Jamboree in Lviv, the city of its founding.

Unique to Toronto will be a special 100th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend in October. Past and present members of PLAST will join with the local Ukrainian community for a Celebratory Dinner and Dance on Saturday October 27. On the following day, PLAST Toronto will host an Open House at the new PLAST building at 516 the Kingsway. In 2010, this building was generously donated to the PLAST Toronto chapter by the Huculak family in appreciation of PLAST’s past work and accomplishments.

Commenting on these momentous plans and activities Orest Dzulynsky Chief Co-ordinator of the PLAST worldwide centennial celebrations stated:

 “I am delighted by the enthusiasm and energy that has gone into the preparations of this important commemoration throughout the world.  As a Torontonian, I am especially encouraged to see Torontonians working together, committed to their past and to their future. I venture to say that there are very few volunteer organizations that can lay claim to such a vibrant and active membership 100 years after its founding.”

For more information about PLAST and these celebratory events, please visit www.toronto.plast.ca or call the PLAST office at (416) 769-9998 or (416) 236-9998.