Mama’s Market back on Pako

A POPULAR Mother’s Day market is back on the Geelong calendar with hundreds of items to go on sale next weekend.

The Ukrainian Women’s Association of Geelong will host its Mama’s Market on Saturday, May 11 for the third-consecutive year, with funds raised to go towards humanitarian aid for mothers and children caught in the Ukrainian-Russian War.

Market coordinator Maria Lubczenko said this year’s market will feature a wide range of quality items and food to purchase for Mother’s Day.

“Things have really worsened in Ukraine and interest has waned a little bit now, so it’s really important that we bring awareness and humanitarian aid wherever we can as an association and this market does a really great job of that,” Ms Lubczenko said.

“The community has been really amazing in recent years, beyond our expectations when it comes to donating goods.”

The Mama’s Market has raised over $70,000 in its first two years, raising over $40,000 in 2023 and added an additional $32,000 to Ukrainian aid in 2022.

This year’s market will be held again at the Ukrainian Community Centre at 57 Pakington Street from 10am to 3.00pm.

Ms Lubczenko said businesses are constantly approaching the association to be assist the market, including Rotary Club of Belmont, who donated $1,000 to the association last year.

“We’re going to have the kitchen running at full capacity, providing marketgoers with vereniki and borscht and other Ukrainian foods, we’re going to have a great, big cake stall, and flowers on display because it’s Mother’s Day the following day.

“Other items will include Ukrainian craftwork and clothing, local businesses such as Whole Stores from up the road will have their own stalls, just a variety of things that anyone can buy.”

This year’s Mama’s Market will also involve a silent auction for residents to participate in, featuring over 60 items up for sale.