Maxine Zakardonski has catered many Shumka events including galas, post-show cast parties, perogy supper fundraisers, and Seniors Can Shumka Christmas gatherings, but she especially loves cooking for the kids at Shumka Summer Dance Camps. Shumka School Principal Peter Eeles asked Maxine to be the cook for the camps several years ago, and she’s been back every year since (except this year with COVID forcing the cancellation of overnight programs). Normally, Maxine spends weeks of her summer cooking delicious and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, suppers and snacks for hundreds of young – hard-working and hungry – dancers. “It’s my pleasure. I love to cook, and they love to eat, so I guess we work well together… hand-in-hand.”

In 2015, Maxine supported Shumka with the “Sviat Vechir in a Box” fundraiser, which offered busy families the traditional 12-course meal that is central to Ukrainian Christmas Eve celebrations. Busy as a bee, Maxine and her crew made thousands of holuptsi and varenyky that year!

With 13 grandchildren dancing in the Shumka School, this was yet another way for Maxine to support an organization that means so much to her and her family. Her sons, Damein and Taras, also helped with the construction of the Shumka Dance Centre, completing the walls, doors, and floors throughout the space.

Thank you, Maxine, for keeping the Shumka family full and happy. And to the Zakardonski family for being part of Shumka’s world.