Drs. Peter and Doris Kule are an embodiment of success and effective philanthropy. They have made a difference in the Canadian Ukrainian community, as well as in lives of many Canadians. Their dedication to their heritage, education and international development is unsurpassed.
History
Peter Kule was born in the town of Stratyn, Western Ukraine, where he completed his elementary and secondary education. In December 1938, Peter, along with his mother and brothers, came to Canada to join his father in Two Hills, Alberta. In 1940, Peter set out on his career path and become a Certified Public Accountant.
Doris Kule (nee Radesh) was born in Willingdon, Alberta, and enjoyed a long and successful career as a teacher. Peter and Doris were married in 1943.
In 1945, Peter went into private practice and opened a small two-room office on 106 Street and 102 Avenue in Edmonton with only two clients. The firm became Kingston Ross and Pasnak. In addition to a successful accounting career, Peter Kule was active in land development and hotel industries. His loving wife, Doris, was a full partner from the beginning.
Legacy
Both Peter and Doris have contributed their time and skills in service to their community. Throughout his career Peter provided financial advice to newcomers and assisted them with their tax returns. He was a volunteer economic advisor for the Edmonton Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy. Peter and Doris Kule have funded the “Bright Futures” stay-in-school program of the Mennonite Center for Newcomers. The Kules have made generous donations to many institutions, especially those a charitable, educational and religious focus. They have endowed the Sheptytsky Institute at the University of Ottawa; the Kule Chair in Ukrainian Ethnography and the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) at the University of Alberta; and the Kule Chair of Ukrainian Community and International Development at Grant MacEwan University. Their long list of major awards and acknowledgements is a testament to the recognition given them by businesses, organizations, educational institutions, Catholic Church, and by the President of Ukraine.
Peter and Doris Kule have established a long lasting legacy enabling new generations to engage in learning and research in a myriad of disciplines. They have invested in the future of Canada.
