On Sunday, August 27th, 2010, members of yunatstvo took part in the opening “apel” of the 27th Annual Ukrainian Days Festival, presented by UCCA Illinois. The two-day festival features Ukrainian food, performers such as Vasyl Popadiuk and various vendors. Chicagoland elected officials also took part to show their support for the Ukrainian community, including IL Senate candidate (D) Alexi Giannoulias. Sunny skies made for a delightful day for Ukrainians in the diaspora to celebrate Ukraine’s independence.

Dr. Oles Strilchuk, President - UCCA IL ; Dr. Julian Kulas, President - Ukrainian Heritage Foundation of 1st Security Bank; Alexi Giannoulias - candidate for IL Senate

Concurrently, the ladies of the Alla Horska branch of WADFFU, kicked off their Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking with a booth at the festival. They promoted their awareness evening, to be held on October 9th, 2010, that will include speakers: Victor Malarek – author of The Johns and The Natashas, Orysia Sushko – Ukrainian-Canadian community activist and past president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and Rachel Durschlag – founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation.

Ivanka Bryan

WADFFU - Alla Horska branch and the Blue Heart booth