Borys Daniljchenko and his wife Jenny are passionate about helping people in need in Ukraine.  

Borys came to Australia as a displaced person from Ukraine in 1952.  

Recent events in Ukraine have stirred many memories for the Witta local and galvanised his family into action.  

“My mother, who now lives with us in Witta, still owns a house in Brisbane which we are currently using to accommodate Ukrainian refugees who have nowhere to go when they get off the plane after arriving in Australia.” 

The family, along with other members of the Brisbane Ukrainian community, have also been instrumental in helping to resettle 60 Ukrainian children into the Milpera School in Brisbane. 

“Milpera is an intensive English language school for newly-arrived migrants and refugees and will provide the support these kids need to continue with their education in Australia’” explained Borys.  

Borys is a talented wood craftsman. He designs and creates one-off custom pieces in his workshop at Witta, combining the use of traditional tools and wood-working methods with computer controlled machines and drafting.  

He and Jenny have combined their talents to create a range of Ukrainian themed homeware and novelty items, which they sell to raise money for Ukrainian families in need.  

Some of Borys and Jenny’s items will be available for purchase at Unite for Ukraine at Mapleton State School on Sunday (August 28, 9am-4pm).  

Transform your child’s art into a keepsake at Unite for Ukraine event

Do you have children who love to create? Come along to the Unite for Ukraine Community Fundraiser for humanitarian aid to Ukraine at Mapleton State School on Sunday (August 28).  

Mapleton resident Hank Wade transforms children’s artworks into beautiful keepsakes and will have a stall on the day with examples of his creations.  

Children can bring along pre-prepared art-works and have fun choosing what Hank  creates from them.

If you can photograph it, Hank can print it. Choose from cushions, T-shirts, ceramic tiles, plates, coasters and mugs. 

There will also be tables set up for kids to create their works of art on the spot.

Hank also builds fabulous nesting boxes for birds and other native wildlife, which will be on display. 

There will be food, live music, raffles, stalls of donated goods including plants, fresh produce, books, kids clothes and bric-a-brac and stalls showcasing local small businesses.  To purchase raffle tickets: www.mapletonukraine.com. If you can help, have items to donate, or would like a stall, call Heidi 0478228890. Entry via gold coin donation.  All money raised will be donated to Australia for UNHCR in Ukraine.

The organisers of the upcoming Unite for Ukraine fundraiser  have been thrilled by the level of community support for the event.  

Local businesses have donated a prize pool valued at nearly $8000 for the raffles being drawn at the event.  

Prizes include luxury accommodation stays, bottles of wine, sporting equipment, prescription eyewear, indoor plants, concert tickets, instruments, restaurant gift vouchers, and beautiful homeware items.  

Tickets for the raffles can be purchased online prior to the event at www.mapletonukraine.com or on the day.  Come along for food, music, kids activities, and bargains for sale.  Entry is via gold coin donation. All money raised will be donated to Australia for UNHCR in Ukraine.