On October 21st, nearly 100 people gathered at Copernicus Lodge to celebrate Emily Krula as she received the prestigious Gold Medal of the Canadian Polish Congress. Surrounded by family, friends, and community members, Emily was recognized for a lifetime of dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to the Polish and Canadian communities.
For more than forty years, Emily has been a guiding light at Copernicus Lodge, caring for seniors with compassion, love, and dignity. Her work with the Copernicus Lodge Auxiliary and the Marie Curie Skłodowska Association has helped raise over $1.7 million, funding programs and support that continue to enrich the lives of Polish seniors today.
Emily’s commitment extends far beyond fundraising. Over five decades, she has organized cultural events, supported veterans, and provided aid to those in need, strengthening the bonds between Canadian and Polish communities and ensuring that tradition and culture continue to thrive.
Her dedication is rooted in her upbringing. Born to a proud Polish family, Emily learned the values of faith, service, and cultural pride from her parents, both community leaders. From a young age at St. Stanislaus Parish, she was guided by the Felician Sisters, learning the Polish language and traditions that would shape a lifetime of volunteerism.
Emily has received numerous honours throughout her career, including the Order of Saint Stanislaus and the Volunteer Toronto Heritage Award. Now, with the Gold Medal of the Canadian Polish Congress, her decades of service are celebrated as a shining example of kindness, humility, and dedication to others.
