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This year’s event comes as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with organisers saying the need for humanitarian support remains acute.<\/p>\n
“The reason why we started doing it was really to fundraise when the full-scale invasion occurred in Ukraine,” Lubczenko said. “The war is continuing. It’s in its fourth year, and the accumulative destruction and damage that has been done is more than ever.”<\/p>\n
She said the money raised is directed to grassroots organisations in Ukraine, including groups helping people near the frontlines, families who have lost homes, and animals left behind during evacuations.<\/p>\n
The association, which has been part of Geelong for 70 years, also supports newly arrived Ukrainians living in Australia, providing social connection, practical assistance and a tie to Ukrainian culture.<\/p>\n
“It is about moral support and social support, which are really quite important when you’re in a strange country,” Lubczenko said.<\/p>\n
That support has been vital for Oksana and her children, Alina, 19, and Maksyn, 10, who moved to Australia four years ago and have since become active members of the local Ukrainian community.<\/p>\n
“The first year was so stressful,” Alina said. “A different culture, environment … I was 15 years old at a new school … with no language \u2013 it was hard.”<\/p>\n
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