News Release: Manitoba Perogy Trail Reaches 1,000 Check-ins; Donation Presented to Oseredok

Posted December 09, 2024

The milestone was marked at a celebratory event with the trail’s sponsor, Perogy Planet, donating $5,000 to Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre in Winnipeg, which will help support the centre’s efforts to preserve and share Ukrainian heritage in Manitoba.

A server carrying a plate of perogies.

EN/FR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2024


Winnipeg, Manitoba – Manitobans have checked in over 1,000 times using the Manitoba Perogy Trail, Travel Manitoba announced today. The milestone was marked at a celebratory event with the trail’s sponsor, Perogy Planet, donating $5,000 to Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre in Winnipeg, which will help support the centre’s efforts to preserve and share Ukrainian heritage in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Perogy Trail was created as a fun and interactive way for locals and visitors alike to explore the province’s vibrant Ukrainian culture through food. The trail features stops at local eateries and shops, offering some of the best perogies in Manitoba. Participants were encouraged to check in at each location, and once 1,000 check-ins were reached, Perogy Planet pledged a generous donation to Oseredok.

The 1,000th check-in was achieved using the Manitoba Perogy Trail digital pass at Luda’s Deli in Winnipeg in November. Perogy Planet owner Rob Naleway made the donation at an event at Oseredok this morning. "We’re so excited to see the community come together to support local businesses and celebrate Ukrainian culture in Manitoba,” said Naleway. “Our donation is a small way to give back to the community that has given so much to Manitoba and to ensure that these stories, flavours and traditions continue to thrive."

Cody Chomiak, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Manitoba, echoed Naleway’s sentiments.

"For many cultures, food is about connection and sharing traditions. In Manitoba, Ukrainian food holds a special place in our hearts and few dishes capture that as universally as perogies,” Chomiak said. “The Manitoba Perogy Trail was a unique initiative that resonated with Manitobans and visitors to the province. We’re thrilled to see the success of this trail and initiatives like these that bring people together, highlight Manitoba’s rich cultural mosaic and make meaningful connections through shared experiences.”

From left to right: Cody Chomiak, Vice-President, Marketing for Travel Manitoba, Rob Naleway, owner, Perogy Planet and Yulia Zmerzla, Executive Director, Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre.

Yulia Zmerzla, Executive Director of Oseredok, expressed gratitude for the support. "This donation will make a significant impact on our programming, allowing us to continue sharing and celebrating Ukrainian culture in Manitoba. We’re deeply grateful to Perogy Planet, Travel Manitoba and everyone who participated in the Manitoba Perogy Trail."

The Manitoba Perogy Trail remains open for those who want to explore the province’s perogy offerings. Users who check-in at 25 participating restaurants will receive a special Manitoba Perogy Trail pin to commemorate their efforts. There are 56 participating restaurants currently part of the Manitoba Perogy Trail. For more information, visit travelmanitoba.com/passes.

About Travel Manitoba

Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.82 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.

About Perogy Planet

Perogy Planet
is a Winnipeg-based business specializing in homemade, authentic perogies with a modern twist. With locations across the city, Perogy Planet is dedicated to celebrating traditional Ukrainian food and culture.

About Oseredok

Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre
is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Ukrainian heritage through exhibitions, educational programs and cultural activities. Located in the heart of Winnipeg, Oseredok is a cultural hub for both the local community and visitors.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Allison Zacharias
Communications Specialist
204-927-7836
azacharias@travelmanitoba.com