Matt Hewson
The Ukrainian community has invited the public to join them for a Mother’s Day market to raise funds for humanitarian support of women and children in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Women’s Association will hold Mama’s Market at the Ukrainian Community Hall at 57 Pakington Street in Geelong West on Saturday, May 11 between 10am and 3pm.
The colourful community event will offer shoppers flowers, Ukrainian food, cakes and coffee, bric-a-brac, used fashion and Ukrainian crafts and clothing.
An online auction and raffle, which is open now, has also been set up at go.rallyup.com/mamasmarket2024 with items being added on a daily basis.
Mama’s Market coordinator Maria Lubczenko said the need for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine was greater than ever.
“This is the third year of a three-day war, and the effects over those three years have been accumulative,” Ms Lubczenko said.
“We’re targeting the needs of mothers and children who have lost their husbands and fathers, lost their homes, who have been injured or had their children stolen.”
This will be the third year the Ukrainian Women’s Association has held the market, with previous years’ funds raised – nearly $70,000 – used to purchase equipment for a children’s hospital close to the front lines of the conflict and provide baby essentials for mothers who have been displaced or are in hiding.
Ms Lubczenko said despite the tragic reason for the market, the event had a lovely vibe.
“There’s so much community support outside the Ukrainian community; it’s just a really beautiful feeling, with lots of people coming through and buying things and eating, it’s almost kind of festive,” she said.
“Come along and have a lovely time, have a look at a different culture and try different food in the spirit of supporting mothers and children for Mother’s Day in Ukraine.”
