AFUO welcomes Albanese Government support as Chair reports from Ukraine visit and launches “Warmth for Ukraine” fundraising campaign
Ms Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO), has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of a further $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which will help to provide critical energy support for Ukraine as Russia continues its relentless strikes on Ukraine’s power grid.
“We warmly welcome the Albanese Government’s life-saving support,” says Ms Argyrou. “Ukraine faces a looming humanitarian crisis due to Russia’s intensified attacks on energy infrastructure, deliberately designed to inflict maximum human suffering. Children in Ukraine are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, while millions more face days without heat, electricity or water in their homes, hospitals and schools.”
“This support will help relieve some of their suffering and keep Ukrainian families alive as Russia’s winter attacks try to break the country.”
Ms Argyrou has recently returned from Ukraine, where she visited Odesa and Kyiv and witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of Russia’s missile and drone attacks on civilians, families, and critical energy infrastructure.
“I saw entire neighbourhoods plunged into darkness. My mother’s apartment building experienced significant power cuts, with no heat, light, or running water for days at a time,” she says. “We slept in our coats, used candles to warm and cook basic food. My grandfather, who is recovering from a broken hip, was trapped in his freezing apartment because the lifts were not working.”
“These are real hardships Ukrainian families are enduring as a result of Russia’s attacks, and it’s why we need urgent action.”
“Through the AFUO’s tax-deductible charity Future Ukraine, we have launched the “Warmth for Ukraine” campaign to raise $150,000 for emergency generators and critical energy resources for Ukrainian communities, families, hospitals, and children,” said Ms Argyrou.
Fundraising efforts are also being supported by the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, a partnership between Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and the AFUO.
“These fundraisers are about taking real, practical action to help families survive winter and Russia’s ongoing genocidal aggression,” Ms Argyrou said. “Together, Australians can support Ukraine and resist Russia’s attempts to terrorise the country through winter attacks on essential energy infrastructure.”
Donations can be made online:
- Future Ukraine Warmth for Ukraine – Future Ukraine
- Ukraine Crisis Appeal: Ukraine Crisis Appeal | Australian Charity for Ukraine
