MUSA’s Victorious Varenyky

Marc Darmohraj

One of the classic ways for a Ukrainian Student Organization to raise money is through a varenyky sale; they sell quick and we get to snack on them in the meantime. However, this activity is not only for the purpose of raising funds. Gathering together and making something delicious as a group can be an incredible bonding experience within itself. Working as a team while celebrating Ukrainian culture is a fantastic way to build a connection as a group and to learn more about each other. This year, our varenyky making activity was particularly special because it really brought people together in a unique way. Many of our organization’s members managed to convince friends that aren’t involved in our club to come out and help cook, even though to some nonUkrainians, getting together in a room, knocking out hundreds of homemade varenyky in an evening may not seem like the ideal Friday night. Not only did these extra hands seriously increase our efficiency, but we got to share such a traditional experience with people who previously didn’t know much about Ukraine and its culture.

“We got to share such a traditional experience with people who previously didn’t know much about Ukraine and its culture.”

At the end of the day, that is one of the little successes that make USOs so valuable. Introducing Ukrainian traditions to non-Ukrainians is an excellent way to promote the community and what it stands for. The sale itself also ended up being a great success, but the experience of working together and reaching out beyond the community was truly invaluable.◊

-Marc Darmohraj , President of McGill Ukrainian Students’ Association.