My name is Stefan and I was raised in the Ukrainian diaspora of Australia. My grandparents were born in Western Ukraine, and I’ve always been proud of my heritage and identity.
Over 2015-2018, I filmed two documentaries that looked at the lives of Ukrainian mothers who were affected by the conflict in Donbass.
These valiant mothers were the lifeblood of an inspiring national volunteer movement, who often disrupted their own lives to help the men and women who were risking and losing their lives on the frontline.
One such mother is Galina Goncharenko. Her son tragically passed away on the frontline in the early stages of the conflict, and her life came to a standstill. In her incredible trauma, she was given a choice - to let her own misery take over, or to take action. She chose the latter, and went on to establish Ukraine’s largest volunteer centre, Prival, which provides passing soldiers with food, shelter, shower, and basic admin assistance.
In 2022, Vladimir Putin has done the unthinkable, and launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine, and the volunteers like Galina have their lives shattered yet again.
I’m raising funds so Galina can continue the incredible work she’s doing helping those in need, in a time they need it most. Funds on this page will be used by Galina for food, clothing, tools, car repairs, general items, anything that will help Ukrainians retain their freedom and right to live in peace.
If you’d like to view the documentary film I created about Galina, you can view it below;
https://vimeo.com/209361893
Sending all my love and thoughts ??