The war in Ukraine has resulted in an unprecedented number of Ukrainians seeking a safe haven from the heartbreaking destruction of their homes and communities, fleeing their homeland to find refuge around the world.Rotary Clubs around Europe have mobilised to assist those crossing the borders to neighbouring countries. By providing transport and housing in other parts of Europe, and supplying personal items, they have achieved significant results towards assisting the many in need.
Many Australians of Ukrainian descent have travelled to Europe with the purpose of rescuing family members and giving them refuge in Australia. The wife of one of an Essendon Rotarian has taken the perilous journey to Ukraine/Poland border to locate and rescue her elderly mother who suffers from a number of medical ailments. We see first-hand the impact the war has had on the whole family – both here and for the ones in Ukraine.
The City of Moonee Valley where Essendon Rotary is located has a large Ukrainian population so it was agreed that our club meet with representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Committee to identify immediate and future needs of displaced persons from Ukraine on their arrival here in Victoria. The club has a number of members of Ukrainian descent whose families have also been impacted.
Veronica O’Sullivan, Nola Spicer, Terry Stivala and Christine Hilbert met with Andrea from that Association to identify the best way to assist refugees arriving in our community. As a result, a callout was made to donate essential clothing and household items. Members, members’ families, friends and neighbours responded quickly. A visit to Footscray DIK with Andrea was organised to source sanitary products, warm jackets, caps and beanies and other items of need including a small fridge. Essential clothing items were immediately handed over to Andrea for distribution. Michael Cariss generously gave his time to collect and deliver items with his ute. All items donated items were collated and subsequently a large SUV and ute full of good quality clothing and, in less than a week from the initial meeting with Andrea, were distributed.
It was all well times, with the first chills of a Melbourne winter requiring people to rug up. Andrea was referred to other organisations to that she could source other items. Essendon Rotary will maintain the relationship as further displaced people now hit with the first winter chills requiring us all to rug up. Further contacts of organisations were provided to Andrea to source things they may need in the future. The Rotary Club of Essendon will continue its relationship to support further displaced people as they arrive and as their needs evolve.
Thank you everyone for the support. Pictured are Rotarians with bags of essential items ready for distribution. Also pictured is a beautiful mural painted on the wall of the Ukrainian House building located in Essendon.
Many Australians of Ukrainian descent have travelled to Europe with the purpose of rescuing family members and giving them refuge in Australia. The wife of one of an Essendon Rotarian has taken the perilous journey to Ukraine/Poland border to locate and rescue her elderly mother who suffers from a number of medical ailments. We see first-hand the impact the war has had on the whole family – both here and for the ones in Ukraine.
The City of Moonee Valley where Essendon Rotary is located has a large Ukrainian population so it was agreed that our club meet with representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Committee to identify immediate and future needs of displaced persons from Ukraine on their arrival here in Victoria. The club has a number of members of Ukrainian descent whose families have also been impacted.
Veronica O’Sullivan, Nola Spicer, Terry Stivala and Christine Hilbert met with Andrea from that Association to identify the best way to assist refugees arriving in our community. As a result, a callout was made to donate essential clothing and household items. Members, members’ families, friends and neighbours responded quickly. A visit to Footscray DIK with Andrea was organised to source sanitary products, warm jackets, caps and beanies and other items of need including a small fridge. Essential clothing items were immediately handed over to Andrea for distribution. Michael Cariss generously gave his time to collect and deliver items with his ute. All items donated items were collated and subsequently a large SUV and ute full of good quality clothing and, in less than a week from the initial meeting with Andrea, were distributed.
It was all well times, with the first chills of a Melbourne winter requiring people to rug up. Andrea was referred to other organisations to that she could source other items. Essendon Rotary will maintain the relationship as further displaced people now hit with the first winter chills requiring us all to rug up. Further contacts of organisations were provided to Andrea to source things they may need in the future. The Rotary Club of Essendon will continue its relationship to support further displaced people as they arrive and as their needs evolve.
Thank you everyone for the support. Pictured are Rotarians with bags of essential items ready for distribution. Also pictured is a beautiful mural painted on the wall of the Ukrainian House building located in Essendon.
If you can help with suitable donated goods, please contact Essendon Rotary on http://www.rce.org.au