For Ukrainians around the world, February 24, 2023 marks 365 days since the war in Ukraine began and is a date that won’t be easily forgotten. Consequently, for many individuals and families residing in Ukraine, life changing decisions were made, such as, whether to stay and defend their beloved homeland or to flee to one of the many countries offering refuge.
About 7,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Australia. Upon their arrival, they were warmly greeted by many Ukrainian organisations and families and have been embraced by every community where they have settled.
Dnister has reached out and is providing banking and financial services to displaced persons, assisting many community organisations in their fundraising efforts and supporting newly arrived Ukrainians to settle in Australia. Dnister has provided a shop-front on its premises, at no cost to the community, to enable clothing and other personal items to be collected, stored and distributed to them. Furthermore, Dnister has contributed financially to humanitarian efforts here in Australia and in Ukraine.
Dnister is an Australian Member- owned financial institution, committed to supporting and providing excellence in financial services for over 60 years to the Ukrainian Community in Australia.
In collaboration with the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) and Help Ukrainians Australia (HUA), Dnister has produced over 1000 gift cards with a pre-loaded $300 credit, to be distributed to displaced Ukrainians Australia wide through the Humanitarian Settlement Program representatives in each state. AFUO successfully obtained financial assistance in support of displaced Ukrainians through a grant from the Federal Government, approved by the Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.
Dnister Chairman, Bohdan Wojewidka, stated ’We are proud to be able to assist the program and hope the funds donated contribute to their resettlement costs, helping them rebuild their lives in Australia. Dnister would also like to acknowledge the support of our business partner, Indue, providing access to their card production services, organising the printing of the gift cards and loading them with funds at no cost.’
Gift cards have been sent to representatives of the Humanitarian Settlement Program in each state for distribution in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, thank you to all state Hromada Associations, Bernadette Belej (HUA) and Kateryna Argyrou (Co-Chair AFUO) for your dedication and support in collaborating in this community program.
To find out more about the program contact AFUO https://www.ozeukes.com/bupa-registration-form/
Pictured: Bohdan Wojewidka (Dnister Chair), Nick Soloczynskyj (AMES Support Officer), Andrew James (Dnister CEO)
