General’s Gin helps fund vital land mine clearing in Ukraine

Fisher MP Andrew Wallace, Ukraine Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Sunshine & Sons’ Matt Hobson and Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien at the Woombye Distillery.

Sunshine & Sons’ General’s Friendship Gin is not just a delightful addition to your home bar — it’s a bottle with a mission that could save lives across the globe.

It’s the latest of their special edition bottles raising funds to help Ukraine clear land mines amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, launched the new gin in Woombye on Friday. Sunshine & Sons founder Matt Hobson said proceeds from the sales of this gin would contribute to purchasing metal detectors used for humanitarian de-mining in Ukraine.

“This limited edition celebrates friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals. We’re raising a glass to the power of friendship and peace in Ukraine,” said Mr Hobson. “It’s not easy to be a small local business doing big things on an international scale but it’s the least we can do for friends we have never met that share our desire for peace. On International Friendship Day we are very proud that our small business has helped to raise a significant amount of money that is making a difference to people."

For each bottle sold, approximately $34 will be added to the already impressive $150,000 Sunshine & Sons has raised for this cause. The gin’s label artwork, features Ukrainian General Valerii Zaluzhnyi in a sunflower field. Mr Hobson said all funds went direct to purchasing mine detectors which were flown to Ukraine by the RAAF.

The three special edition bottles for Ukraine.

Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace praised Sunshine & Sons’ efforts and welcomed Ambassador Myroshnychenko to the Sunshine Coast.

“Australia stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It’s a privilege to show His Excellency our beautiful part of the world and our support for Ukraine,” said Mr Wallace.

The Ambassador, who has been in Australia for just over a year, expressed gratitude for the support, saying he now understands the true meaning of mateship. He commended Sunshine & Sons’ support of Ukranians in their plight.

Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien, who also appeared on a limited-edition Ted’s Gin at the Woombye Distillery, lauded Sunshine & Sons’ success story and their contribution to a greater cause. “Their efforts remind us of the importance of friendship and helping those in need,” Mr O’Brien said.