Australia's Ukrainians to send 6,000 mascots to Kyiv (12/12/04)

Australia's Ukrainians to send 6,000 mascots to Kyiv

CANBERRA - The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) will send over 6,000 stuffed toy kangaroos and koalas to the pro-democracy supporters who are braving rain and snow on Kyiv's Maidan Nezaleznosty, or Independence Square.

AFUO President Stefan Romaniw OAM said the aim of the gesture was to help provide a lift in spirits to those who have sacrificed their time to keep up the vigil for Ukrainian democracy, since the rigged presidential election.

"Australia is also sending over $30,000 in aid to those rallying in Kyiv, including food and medicines, so the kangaroo and koala drop is just another small way in which we're telling those rallying in Maidan Nezaleznosty that we're all supporting them," Mr. Romaniw said.

"It is incredibly important that the citizens who have given up so much to rally for democracy know that the world is with them and that Ukrainian organizations around the world are active in their support for a free and fair Ukrainian democracy," he commented.

The AFUO has already held rallies in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne in support of the fight for real democracy in Ukraine.

"We've doing everything we can from 20,000 kilometers away to help the cause for democracy, by sending money, food, medicine, goodwill and now, kangaroos and koalas, Mr. Romaniw said.

"It might be cold in the snow at the moment, but the gesture of 6,000 Aussie mascots will hopefully warm up those who are rallying for the cause of democracy!"

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