Sunflowers of hope for Ukraine

More than 870 people sent a bright message of hope from Queensland to children and families displaced by war in Ukraine on Saturday (11 May) through ALWS Walk My Way Ukraine.

The 873 walkers and runners stepped out in the Brisbane event, which – thanks to the help of participants, volunteers, sponsors and other supporters – has so far raised more than $175,000 to support the people of Ukraine.

Participants dressed in bright blue t-shirts embroidered with sunflower logos made for a stunning sight as they crossed the Goodwill Bridge at Southbank and walked or ran along the picturesque Brisbane River.

Up front runners led by LCA Queensland District Bishop Mark Vainikka were followed by young and old, Lutheran family and community friends, walking side-by-side to send a special message of love and support from the heart of Brisbane to the hearts of the Ukrainian people.

Bishop Mark, who has met Ukrainian refugees in Europe, shared his motivation for taking part. ‘I’ve seen the impact of displacement especially in the lives of the young’, he said. ‘By participating in Walk My Way Ukraine, I hope to have a small, positive impact on their lives.’

The walk was a beautiful expression of faith in action, with members from Lutheran congregations, schools and care services coming together to share their Christian love through ALWS. Queenslanders travelled from places such as Gladstone, Kingaroy, Dalby, Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast to be part of this collective expression of faith.

Organised in partnership with the Ukrainian Community of Queensland and with the support of platinum event partner LLL Australia, the event raised much-needed funding for projects delivered by ALWS’ international partner Lutheran World Federation. The money raised will go towards providing emergency food and water for families in need and psychological support for displaced children, rebuilding classrooms and building bomb shelters under schools so children can return to learning and renovating 1500 apartments in Kharkiv so families can return home.

ALWS’ Walk My Way Ukraine featured 3-kilometre and 12.5-kilometre courses that began and finished at a community hub at Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point Campus. The hub featured Ukrainian food stalls, live entertainment and a special kids’ zone.

As walkers made their way through Brisbane, their bright shirts displayed the unofficial national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower. The sunflower is a symbol of peace as it always turns toward the sun, so its shadow falls behind it. This is the hope that walkers shared as they stepped out at Walk My Way Ukraine.

Thank you to all those who have supported Walk My Way Ukraine 2024 – and it’s not too late to donate! Go to https://walkmywayukraine.org.au/ and click on the Donate button – or click on ‘Support a friend’ if you wish to support an individual or a team who took part.

Aaron Glover is ALWS Community Engagement Manager.