Nambour Garden Club has raised money and paid tribute to the people of Ukraine in a colourful show of support at the latest meeting.

Members were invited to bring blue and yellow flowers from their gardens and many decided to dress in blue and yellow as part of a Ukraine Crisis Appeal at the June 6 meeting.

Member Jan Bell came up with the idea to help refugees “as a symbol of our affection and respect for the Ukrainian people as well as our most fervent wish that their nation will once again know peace”. 

“We could all see what was happening to the poor people of Ukraine on the news and we’re all wondering ‘what can we do?’,” said President Glenda Thorne. “This gives members the opportunity to do something positive and to donate some money for Red Cross that will certainly go to a good cause.”

Representatives from Nambour Red Cross came to the meeting to collect the donations. 

“Money raised will be donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal,” said Glenda. “Under this appeal the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) is facilitating the safe transport of more than 1000 civilians from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia.”

“This convoy’s arrival to Zaporizhzhia is a huge relief for hundreds of people who have suffered immensely and are now in a safer location,” said Pascal Hundt, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Ukraine. 

“It’s clear, though, that thousands more civilians trapped inside Mariupol need safe passage out and aid to come in. As a neutral intermediary, we’re ready to respond to this humanitarian imperative once concrete agreements and security conditions allow it.”

Nambour Garden Club meets on the first Monday of each month (February to November) at Uniting Church Hall, Coronation Street, Nambour (9am for 10am start). The Club is affiliated with Garden Clubs of Australia whose motto, “Friendship through Gardening”, they share. For information see Facebook or email nambourgardenclub@gmail.com.