Displaced Ukrainians have begun arriving on Australian soil, and Canberrans are being asked to show their humanity by welcoming refugees into their own homes.

Parish Priest of the Canberra Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Father Michael Solomko, is praying his pleas won’t fall on deaf ears as he implores Canberrans to open their doors to Ukrainian refugees.

“If Canberrans could open their hearts at this time of need for the Ukrainian people, show some compassion, and help out displaced families … our community would be very, very grateful,” said Father Michael.

Former ACT Opposition Leader, Bill Stefaniak, encouraged Canberrans in a position to help to take in a Ukrainian family.

“Do you know why there are no refugee camps in Poland despite the fact that there are now over two million Ukrainian refugees there? Well, it’s because ordinary Polish citizens are welcoming them into their homes,” he said.

“We should do the same here in Canberra.”

Convenor of the Belco Party, Mr Stefaniak said his executive have “put its money where its mouth is” and thrown open their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

“I call on all current MLAs in our Legislative Assembly, our five federal representatives and all nominated candidates for the upcoming federal election in the ACT to do the same,” Mr Stefaniak said.

“Throw open your homes for these most deserving and desperate people.”

Mr Stefaniak said ordinary Canberra citizens should be emboldened to do the same.

“Especially our empty nesters who have a bit of room in their homes, I’d really encourage them to take in a Ukrainian family. These people need love, care, and attention,” he said.

“One simple thing the ACT Government can do is for every household who takes in a Ukrainian refugee, they should not have to pay any electricity, water, sewage, or gas rates while they’re in their home.

“It’s a simple and easy measure to encourage people to do the right thing and look after these people who are absolutely desperate and have been forced to leave their homes because of Vladimir Putin’s brutality.”

To offer your support, visit ukrainians.org.au or email [email protected]

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