Regina Ukrainian hall considers donation drive after fire damage

The Ukrainian National Federation of Canada – Regina Branch says its upstairs archival room was completely destroyed.(Regina Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 181/Facebook)

Regina’s Ukrainian Hall is working out what the next steps are after a weekend fire damaged its building.

Olena Shyian, president of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada – Regina Branch, said the Saturday blaze might have resulted in a total loss, adding that the community is devastated.

“We are really thankful to everyone who has reached out, messaged us, extended their condolences … and offer support. We will need support and we will appreciate your support,” she told CTV News.

“It looks like the main hall and the upstairs has burned completely and the basement is completely flooded.”

Shyian said the branch is considering starting a GoFundMe campaign to deal with possible future expenses.

On Saturday morning, Regina Fire posted on social media that its crews responded to a blaze on the 1700 block of St. John Street around 6:38 a.m.

When they responded, crews found fire on the second floor and in the roof.

A search of each floor was completed and no injuries were reported.

Shyian told CTV News that the building’s archival room upstairs was completely burned, along with the stage and all the backdrops that were at least 80 years old.

She also said the hall’s oil paintings were lost.

“So basically, all of the historical importance and relevance that we had is gone now,” she added.

The investigation by Regina Fire and Protective Services into the cause and extent of damages caused by the blaze, is ongoing.