In an act of Christmas generosity and compassion, Victoria Police sent a very special St Nicholas in his police vehicle to the Ukrainian Community Centre in Melbourne today to distribute toys to displaced children from Ukraine.
Collected via a VicPol toy drive, the event is another expression of Australian support for displaced Ukrainians, mostly mothers and their children, who have fled Russian aggression and war in Ukraine to seek safe haven in Australia.
Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM, Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) said, “I have just returned from Ukraine where I played St Nicholas to children at an AFUO supported shelter in war-torn Irpin. It was touching to see the children being given a few moments of joy.
“VicPol did the same thing today.
“But this will be a very different Christmas for those in Ukraine, and those who have fled here.
“Christmas is usually a time for family joy and celebration. This year, millions of families have been torn apart. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure continue. Christmas tree lights will not be lit, feasts and presents will not be shared.
“We are grateful to VicPol for thinking about these families and children at such a difficult time. We look forward to the children’s eyes lighting up tomorrow. We’ve got lots of fun activities planned for them.
“Their pain never leaves them. But we can help the children and mothers to feel wanted at this time,” said Mr Romaniw.
