Sunflowers to drive Ukraine fundraising in Portarlington

AN UPLIFTING initiative is growing out of Portarlington Primary School making a positive impact on the war in Ukraine.

Led by teacher Melissa Meaney, students of the seaside institution harvested school-grown sunflower seeds at the start of the year.

But, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the school is now selling the seeds to members of the community to raise funds for children affected by the war.

“The students created the sunflower seed packets themselves with their own designs and harvested the seeds earlier this year. Then the war in Ukraine happened and it was a major shock to everyone,” Ms Meaney said.

“Once we found out about the war, we realised that the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower, a symbol of solidarity, peace, and happiness.

“It just seemed like a little thing we could do to donate some money to the children affected by the war.”

Residents and visitors to Portarlington can enter the school during the week to purchase seed packets from 9am to 3pm.

One packet costs $4.00, two packets will cost $7.00 and three packets cost $10.00.

Portarlington Primary School principal Nadia Tkaczuk is of Ukrainian nationality, with the efforts of her students striking a personal chord with the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria (Geelong) committee member.

“It’s pretty amazing for me to see what the students and teachers here are doing considering how dire the situation is over there,” Ms Tkaczuk said.

“Seeing kids being displaced by the thousands just absolutely rips your heart out and it is amazing to see what the school is doing to provide a positive impact.

“The fact that these sunflower seeds have come out of our garden and are being used for a cause that is worthy, despite it being on the other side of the world, fills me with immense pride.”

More than $350 has been raised so far, seed packets will be available until there are none left.

All funds raised will go to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, a collaboration between the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Rotary Australia World Community Service and Caritas Ukraine.

The Ukraine Crisis Appeal is the largest Australian tax-deductible humanitarian fundraising effort for Ukraine.

If you are unable to purchase sunflower seeds from Portarlington Primary, donations can still be made directly at www.ozeukes.com/donate/.