Victorian greyhound racing announces support for displaced Ukrainians

[Wandering Eyes]

Greyhounds wearing the blue number four rug and yellow number five rug will be racing to support displaced Ukrainians in need of humanitarian aid as a result of the current war on their home country.

Today is International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) and Greyhound Racing Victoria representatives visited the Essendon branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria (AUV) this week to launch a new fundraising campaign.

GRV will donate $400 towards Ukrainians in need of humanitarian aid every time the blue number four dog and yellow number five dog run first and second (in any order) in the same race at any Victorian racetrack for a period of one month beginning today – April 6 through to May 5, 2023.

Blue and yellow are the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

This new fundraising partnership came about as a result of GRV being approached by Victorian greyhound owner, Brett Osler, who witnessed first-hand the direct effects of the war on those displaced from Ukraine in nearby Poland.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year millions fled their homes in search of safety, with a large portion of those displaced crossing the border into Poland.

Osler was residing in Poland at the time and saw the desperation of Ukrainian people in need of food, clothes and a roof over their heads.

“The majority of the millions of displaced persons from Ukraine were exiting through to enter Poland in what was the largest and fastest displacement of people since World War II,” Osler said.

“There was no way that I could just sit by knowing the impacts of war on families and communities as well as the importance of rebuilding community connectedness.”

GRV CEO Stuart Laing (left), AUV Director Teresa Kohut (second from left) and AUV Chairperson Tatiana Zachariak (right) with Ukrainians dressed in traditional Ukraine outfits and greyhounds wearing the blue (four) and yellow (five) race vets.

Tatiana Zachariak, Chairperson of the Board of the AUV, spoke about the importance of monies raised for displaced Ukrainians.

“AUV is grateful for any money raised. This donation will contribute towards providing for the needs of Ukrainian people who have arrived in Victoria, fleeing from the terror which is reigning on Ukraine by Russia,” Mrs Zachariak said.

“Many women arrived with their children leaving partners behind to fight. Many have lost their homes and family members. They have many settlement needs including psychological issues, financial problems, accommodation, learning English, getting a job, transitioning their qualifications or adjusting to different school and university systems.”

“Australians have been kind, compassionate and generous. We are truly grateful.”

GRV CEO Stuart Laing said the Victorian greyhound racing community is proud to be making a contribution towards helping displaced Ukrainians arriving in Australia.

“Victoria hosts up to 300 greyhound races per week across 25 race meetings right around the state, and with the blue and yellow being the colours of the Ukrainian flag it will be great to see a few four-and-five-dog quinellas get up over the coming weeks,” Mr Laing said.

GRV and its 13 race clubs initiate and provide support to a number of worthwhile fundraising causes including the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, the Great Chase, which supports Victoria’s disability sector, and SEN’s Chase for Charity program, which raises funds for Ronald McDonald House, Victorian Men’s Shed Association and McAuley.

To make a donation to support displaced Ukrainians please click here

Greyhounds sporting blue and yellow race rugs with (from left) AUK Chairperson, Tatiana Zachariak, Brett Osler and GRV CEO Stuart Laing outside AUV headquarters in Essendon.

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