COMING TO AID OF KIDS AND MUMS
GEELONG women of Ukrainian heritage will host a market on Saturday to raise funds for medical supplies for women and children amid the “overwhelming” situation in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Women’s Association Mama’s Market will run from 10am-2pm at 57 Pakington St, Geelong West.
UWA Geelong branch president Melissa Horpinitch-Musyt said the group’s sister organisation in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, had reached out for aid for children’s hospitals.
“They’re desperately in need,” Ms Horpinitch-Musyt said.
“They’re seeing amputees, shrapnel wounds . . . they can get hold of the supplies, but need money.
“They’re getting a lot of horrific injuries . . . they’re overwhelmed.”
Traditional Ukrainian foods, Mother’s Day gifts, plants and a silent auction will be among the stalls at Saturday’s market.
Ms Horpinitch-Musyt said there had been many items donated for the silent auction, including about 20 quilts from the Bellarine Quilters of Drysdale.
“These items were donated most kindly,” she said.
“They are really beautiful.
We’re extremely grateful.”
Ms Horpinitch-Musyt said UWA needed to raise $8000 and hoped for “maximum support” at the market.
“It’s just completely overwhelming,” she said.
“War puts a strain on everything. People have lost jobs,
their homes, they’re terribly injured, and displaced.
“There’s refugees coming here to Australia . . . we’re looking at supporting the women and children who arrive here as well.”
For more information on the market, search for Mama’s Market on Facebook.