Geelong community rallies around Ukraine

DEPUTY Prime Minister Richard Marles was among the guests at a recent Geelong fundraiser that helped raise $40,000 for the people of Ukraine affected by war.

The $100 a head ‘Stand by Ukraine’ event at White Eagle House in Breakwater was organised by the Polish-Ukrainian Community Fundraising Committee and included a five course dinner, with TV personality Denis Walter MC’ing the evening.

Also in attendance was the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, his Polish counterpart Michał Kołodziejski, and Geelong MP Christine Couzens.

Speaking at the dinner, Association of Ukrainians in Victoria Geelong branch member Luba Pryslak said the event was more than just a way to raise money to support people in Ukraine.

“We have a broader mission, to ensure that the world does not forget or become complacent about the war.

“It is a global responsibility to fight the evils of the regime that is inflicting so much terror, pain and suffering. We cannot accept this situation as normal,” she said.

Geelong’s thousands strong Ukraine community has held a number of fundraisers for those impacted by Russia’s war on their homeland, now in its sixth month, the latest attracted a large show of support from the wider community.

The Geelong Football Club donated items to a silent auction for the event, including a Cats jumper signed by the team, another signed by Ukrainian player Jake Kolodjashnij with ‘Slava Ukraini’ and a football signed by Captain Joel Selwood and coach Chris Scott.

Others donated prizes including trips to Tasmania’s Bruny Island and a weekend stay in Fairhaven.

Money raised from the event will go towards supporting several Ukrainian based organisations that are supporting the war effort, including the Kyiv Military Hospital.