AN UPLIFTING initiative is growing out of Portarlington Primary School making a positive impact on the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n
Led by teacher Melissa Meaney, students of the seaside institution harvested school-grown sunflower seeds at the start of the year.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Once we found out about the war, we realised that the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower, a symbol of solidarity, peace, and happiness.<\/p>\n
“It just seemed like a little thing we could do to donate some money to the children affected by the war.”<\/p>\n
Residents and visitors to Portarlington can enter the school during the week to purchase seed packets from 9am to 3pm.<\/p>\n
One packet costs $4.00, two packets will cost $7.00 and three packets cost $10.00.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
More than $350 has been raised so far, seed packets will be available until there are none left.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Ukraine Crisis Appeal is the largest Australian tax-deductible humanitarian fundraising effort for Ukraine.<\/p>\n
If you are unable to purchase sunflower seeds from Portarlington Primary, donations can still be made directly at www.ozeukes.com\/donate\/.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BY VINNIE VAN OORSCHOTAN UPLIFTING initiative i […]<\/p>\n