WELCOME TO THE CANADIAN-POLISH CLUB
The oldest Polish community organization in Canada’s capital. Founded on December 13, 1936, it served for many years as the sole Polish organization in the region. From the very beginning, the Club has been deeply rooted in a strong connection to Poland and dedicated to promoting historical truth, preserving Polish heritage, and upholding Poland’s good name within the broader Canadian society. Throughout its history, the Club has taken on the responsibility of representing the Polish community with integrity and purpose—working constructively with residents and Canadian authorities while adapting to changing social and historical circumstances.
These guiding principles are reflected in the Club’s statutes: first adopted in 1937, modernized in 1979, and most recently updated in 2021 to respond to contemporary community needs. Across generations, members have remained committed to these values despite significant changes in membership. Over the decades, the Club has welcomed Polish professionals arriving during the Second World War, political refugees and veterans in the postwar period, and later waves of immigrants from Poland. Membership has evolved, ranging from approximately 60 members before the Second World War to about 100 members in the late 1940s. In 1963, the Club counted 32 members. Today, the Canadian-Polish Club continues to grow, with more than 50 members, building on its rich legacy while looking confidently toward the future.
During the Second World War, Club members regularly supported the Polish Red Cross and the National Defence Fund, financed the purchase of an ambulance for Polish divisions fighting in France, assisted Polish refugees in Romania and Portugal, and provided aid to Polish prisoners of war held in German camps. Younger members volunteered for the Polish Armed Forces fighting under Allied command. In Canada, Club members (Mr. and Mrs. Ruebenbauer) played a leading role in safeguarding and preserving the priceless Wawel Treasures, which arrived in a convoy in July 1940. The chests containing the materials were transferred to the Bank of Montreal’s Vault in Ottawa. They included manuscript materials, the Coronation Sword of the Polish Kings (Szczerbiec), the Gutenberg Bible, and thirty-two original manuscripts of Chopin’s compositions, as well as other items.
The Club supported major exhibitions of Polish historical artifacts at the National War Museum. It helps establish a Polish section at the National Museum of Man, enriching its ethnographic collections with valuable donations. During the same period, the National Arts Centre hosted the “Christmas Tree Presentation” on three occasions, with Polish participation coordinated by Club members. The Club participated in organizing Ottawa’s celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus's birth.
A public ethnographic and philatelic exhibition of Polonica was organized for a wider audience.
2000-2001 Club members Barbara Rudak and Agnes Warda worked with the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation to secure favourable terms and an honorary agreement reserving Section 110, Plot 11 for exclusive use by the Polish community. The initiative was endorsed by the KPK Ottawa’s Board and delegates.