David Motta and Trish Lynch, from the Rotary Clubs of Osborne Park and Karrinyup respectively, came to explain the plight of Ukrainian refugees now living in Perth. The primary problem is that many such people speak little or no English, and they are dotted around the metropolitan area according to where they can find accommodation. As a result, nobody really knows who these people are or how they can be contacted, so the Osborne Park Rotary Club decided to put on a tea party in September 2022 – publicising it as best they could via Facebook and the like – and 50 Ukrainian people turned up! Communication was difficult, but the networking aspect was a success as was the singing. So, another get-together was organised to celebrate the Orthodox Christmas in January 2023, and 120 people came along and enjoyed tea, coffee and wine! In the meantime Trish Lynch established contact with Irena via Facebook and this resulted in the Karrinyup Club’s Farmers Market donating produce to the Ukrainian people in need. There were all sorts of practical difficulties with this, but the Ukrainians now deal with it themselves. A few donors of cash popped up, and this had to be handled by establishing an account with RAWCS, otherwise there could be no paper trail or audit. Now verified Ukrainian students can apply for a $200 grant to help them get set up for schooling. The urgent imperative is to set up a data base so that the refugees can be contacted and their needs established, as this will enable help to be co-ordinated to maximum effect. Guests at our meeting were Ukrainian-born Alla and Mariana, as well as Eden, and all three ladies offered very helpful suggestions. Much to be done!
