On March 29, 2016, a reception was held at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto to honour the Veterans of the Polish Second Corps of the 8th British Army for their donation to the Polish Language and Literature Program in the Department of Slavic Studies. This very generous donation will set up a fund in their name with the proceeds directed to the support of the third (highest) level course in Polish Language.
Mr. Podsiadło, president of the organization, presented a symbolic cheque to Prof. Tamara Trojanowska, Director of the Program. In her remarks Prof. Trojanowska spoke of the migration of the veterans out of bondage in Siberia through the middle east, the formation of the 2nd Corps and their sacrifices during the second world war, particularly in the very important victory at Monte Cassino, a turning point in the Italian campaign. Four generations have benefited from their selfless acts and now they add a different type of sacrifice in making this donation. She continued with a description of the Polish Language and Literature Program, its quality, its high reputation in the world and the successes of the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Maciej Zaremba, chairman of the Council thanked the Veterans for their generosity and touched on the work of the Council in collecting funds for Polish Studies. The $50,000 gift goes a long way towards assuring that the Council’s goal of $350,000 may be met.
In his remarks, Mr. Podsiadło spoke of past contributions of his group for charitable works and also their involvement in the development of Paderewski Park in Vaughan. Recently the Veterans decided that they would direct a portion of their assets to the support of Polish higher education resulting in this gift.
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 M. Zaremba, Prof. Trojanowska and Mr. Podsiadło. |
 Attentive audience |
 A group of the veterans |
 Mr. Podsiadło at the microphone. |
Sat, May 14, 2016
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