Mangawhai generosity makes impact on Ukrainian refugees

JULIA WADE

25 April, 2022

From half-way around the world, a warm heartfelt thank you has been sent from the fringes of war-torn Ukraine to all the Mangawhai locals who dug deep and swapped cash for bouquets.

Lithuanian-born local florist, Andra Girininkiene, set up a flower fundraising initiative through her ‘Andra’s Flowers’ cart in late March after heart-breaking conversations with her parents who are helping to look after Ukraine refugees in Andra’s home country.

To date $2300 has been gifted to the cause, essential cash to help buy food and items mainly for children whose parents have remained in Ukraine to fight the ongoing Russian invasion.

Andra knows the fear of living under Russian rule as a child before witnessing the collapse of the USSR in 1991 when she was only 20, and says her parents have been overwhelmed by the support from their daughter’s kiwi town.

“When my parents took some food to the Centre Hotel where the children are staying, and told everyone it was donated from New Zealand, the people were so impressed it was coming from the other side of the world and were incredibly grateful,” she says. “They couldn’t believe how much we cared. It’s hard to imagine how much this means to them, but my mum says they are so absolutely thankful for us as they have lost everything. I think it is the best thing that I’ve ever done or could do in my life.”

Kilos of sugar, flour, butter, sausages and tea are listed on the shopping receipts, as well as a few phones for families to maintain contact, ‘just simple items but so big for those in need’.

The emergency refugee accommodation at Lithuania’s Centre Hotel was organised by a socially-responsible group of real estate companies called ‘Nuova’, who according to their website, look out for disadvantaged children and coordinated assistance to thousands of incoming Ukrainians.

Positive feedback from local community has also been amazing Andra says, with people contacting her either by phone, at the markets or in the street, to tell her ‘how happy’ they are about the fundraiser, ‘some people just chipped in donations without even buying the flowers’ she says.

“I am amazed to see such an overwhelming amount of support for Ukrainians through flower purchases. I would like to sincerely thank all who have donated, their kindness will help so many, together we are helping hope for a brighter future,” she says. “I’m very happy that my parents are still so active and caring and very proud and so thankful for Mangawhai, our community rocks!”

Mangawhai florist and flower fundraiser Andra Girininkiene says she is incredibly grateful and proud of her kiwi community for their generosity and support of Ukraine children currently seeking refuge in her homeland, Lithuania. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

“I am amazed to see such an overwhelming amount of support for Ukrainians… I would like to sincerely thank all who have donated…”