Funds provided by Bupa to the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) Ukraine Crisis Appeal – Resettlement Fund (UCA-RF) to assist with the cost of medical check fees for displaced Ukrainians are set to be issued, with expansion of the program being explored by the AFUO.
Ms Kateryna Argyrou, AFUO Co-Chair, said today “The AFUO has worked hard to develop a process to distribute the full $100,000 BUPA donation fairly, and satisfy the governance requirements related to releasing the donation.“
To provide meaningful assistance and relief, the AFUO has decided to allocate $300 to successful applicants (the average cost of medical checks is $330 per person) – enough to assist 333 individuals.
Distribution of the Bupa donation has called for an extensive and thorough approvals process requested by Bupa and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), including physical document checks by Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) service providers, data-sharing agreements, and the manufacture of pre-loaded eftpos cards which must be issued by RAWCS.
“We’re pleased 218 people have already successfully lodged their paperwork. They will receive their debit eftpos cards to the value of $300 as soon as the eftpos cards have been processed by RAWCS,” said Ms Argyrou.
“There has been some delay with the manufacturer of the cards, but as soon as they are delivered, they will be distributed to these applicants.”
To satisfy anticipated continued demand for the refund, the AFUO will explore how it can provide additional financial support for the program.
“The Bupa donation, while generous, can only provide meaningful assistance for 333 individuals. We want to help as many people as possible, so the AFUO will investigate expanding the program,” said Ms Argyrou.
“We urge displaced Ukrainians who have out-of-pocket expenses from their medical checks, to continue to register their interest with the AFUO,” she added.
The AFUO are grateful to RAWCS and the HSP service providers for offering their services free-of-charge. This has meant the program can avoid any administration fees, and ensure all funds are donated to displaced Ukrainians.
Click here to register your interest in receiving a refund
Click here for more information about the medical check fee assistance program
