Luba Tarapacky

A dedicated healthcare professional with over 40 years’ experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Respiratory Educator, beyond her career, Luba is passionate about her involvement in the Ukrainian Canadian community. Luba has volunteered in Plast for nearly five decades, starting as a counsellor for children and youth at weekly meetings and summer camps locally and nationally. She subsequently held many leadership roles including Director of Children and Youth programming, VP Programming, Director of Senior Scouts, and President of Plast Toronto. For her service, she received Plast’s Award of St. George (Bronze) and Medal of St. George (Silver). Since 2016 Luba has served on the board of the UCC Toronto Branch. She has been a member of numerous organizing committees and actively helps organize many initiatives, such as the annual Independence Day event.When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine forced thousands to flee, she co-founded and led the Ukrainian Canadian Parachute storefront project (2022–2024). Along with many volunteers, UCParachute provided clothing and essential household goods to newcomers starting their lives in Canada. Luba is a member of the League of Ukrainian Catholic Women of Canada-St. Nicholas Branch, actively volunteering in their fundraising projects.Born and raised in Toronto to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Luba grew up with a deep sense of both Ukrainian and Canadian patriotism. She and her husband Andrij have raised three children and now delight in helping nurture their three grandchildren, sharing with them a love for their heritage and community.A proud Canadian Ukrainian, Luba believes that volunteerism and leadership are vital to building future generations of engaged, passionate Ukrainian Canadians.