Members of The Polish Alliance of Canada greeted the establishment of the “Solidarity” Independent Workers’ Union with great joy and enthusiasm. On August 27, 1980, a manifestation of thousands of representatives from Polish and Canadian centres took place in front of Toronto City Hall. Speaking to the protesters, PAC Head Executive Board President Henryk Lopinski distinctly underlined the Alliance’s position with regards to the events in the country on the Vistula River, expressing a hope for Poland to regain full freedom and independence. Previously, funds had been raised for imprisoned workers in Poland and for food and medications, and countless packages had been sent.

On October 10, 1980, the Alliance’s ex-President Tadeusz Glista presented Lech Walesa with $3000 (approximately $12,000 today) from the PAC for the newly-created “Solidarity.” At an unusual conference on September 13, 1981, which was attended by the branches’ presidents and secretaries, a resolution was passed to organize a Committee for the Sponsorship of Polish Refugees.

Within months of his election at the XXX PAC General Assembly, Head Executive Board President Julian Dobranowski, with considerable help from parliamentary envoy PAC member Jesse Flis, met with Prime Minister P.E. Trudeau, Foreign Affairs Minister M. McGuigan, and Immigration Minister L. Axworthy. As a result of these meetings, an agreement was signed that gave the Alliance the right to create a Committee for Refugee Affairs.

Thanks to the Federal Government’s help in operating an immigration office, The Polish Alliance of Canada sponsored over 1000 people from Europe, also giving them extensive help in adapting to the new country. Members of many Alliance branches surrounded newly-arrived in Canada Poles and their families with care, giving them financial and material aid. They helped in taking care of all formalities related to procuring required documentation, in finding first jobs, and in learning English.

1989 was an important year for Poland and for the Polish community worldwide. Dreams of a free Poland came true. At the time, the PAC Head Executive Board announced a fundraiser for the “Solidarity” Election Fund in The Alliancer’s columns.  Over $20,000 (approximately $75,000 today) were raised, and the cheque was presented to Poland’s President Lech Walesa, who was officially visiting Canada for the first time, in Toronto on November 12, 1989.