As part of the Fundraiser on Monday 9 May 2022, a newly arrived Ukrainian family came to Aquinas.

Ivanka, brought her twin sons, Tom and Ted, who turned four last week. The boys said they were here on holiday (in their minds) and will be going back to Ukraine next week (not the case); and that their toys wouldn’t come out of their bags because the toys were sad that their father was not here. Ivanka said that Australia is a beautiful country and she was very grateful to be here - but missing home so very much. Ivanka then spoke to my Year Seven Class: “Please boys always appreciate your Freedom, your Family and friends.” We said a prayer for Ivanka and her sons at the end. Louis in my class then said - “You know Dr. Kania, the most upsetting part for me is that this war did not need to happen. There is no reason for it. It is a tragedy”

Thank you for all your support - it will all go to good use. We now have 240 families, like Ivanka’s, in Perth.

Dr Andrew Kania
Director of Spirituality