A man who left Poland for the sun of Australia almost a decade ago is doing what he can to help Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Minyama’s Greg Weber has started fundraising for United 24, a platform for collecting donations in support of Ukraine.
The U24 initiative has reportedly garnered almost $360m in funding, and boasts well-known ambassadors like billionaire philanthropist Richard Branson, British adventurer Bear Grylls and singer/actress Barbra Streisand.
Mr Weber is fundraising for a drone or drones, which can be used for reconnaissance, video and intelligence gathering.
He said he felt compelled to do something to support Ukraine’s cause.
“The conflict is very personal for me,” he said.
“Even though I live in Australia now, I am from Poland, which is just across the border from Ukraine, so it is very close to my heart.
“For the past 450-odd days I’ve been following it (the war) daily.
“I hope my fundraising can make a difference and contribute to a brighter future for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.”
He said there were growing ties between Poland and Ukraine.
“Since this war started, many people from Poland have opened their doors to Ukrainian people,” he said.
“We are similar nations, and we understand each other. Ethnically speaking, we are from the same group.
“It seems like Poland and Ukraine have formed a tight bond during the past year.
“Lots of Ukrainians have come to Poland, even before the war.
“It seems like every third person in Poland can now speak Ukrainian.
“It’s two nations blending, and no one has anything against that. It’s so heart-warming.
“For me, being on the other side of the world, I just want to do my part and do the same as other people in Poland and help the Ukrainians.”
He hoped to raise about $2000 for a drone.
“I believe in the power of technology to make a positive impact on people’s lives, even in times of conflict,” he said.
“Drones have been used in Ukraine for surveillance and humanitarian aid, and they have the potential to help save lives and deliver supplies to areas that are difficult to access by traditional means.
“This is the first time in the history of conflicts that drones are being used in such a big and wide scale.
“If I can raise enough money to get one high-quality drone that would be good; if I can raise more for more drones that would be great.”
Mr Weber will run in the Sunshine Coast Marathon in August as part of his fundraising appeal.
“Running a marathon is a personal challenge for me, but it pales in comparison to the challenges faced by those living in conflict zones,” he said.
He only just made it to the finish line in his only attempt at a marathon two years ago.
“But this time I’ve got a purpose, so I think it will be much easier,” he said.
“I’ll be wearing blue and yellow (Ukraine’s colours) with a Polish flag on the side of my shirt, so I feel like I’m doing it for myself and for others.”
Mr Weber relocated to Australia in 2014.
“In Poland, and in Ukraine, it’s grey and misty and wet, so I moved for the weather,” he said.
“I think the Sunshine Coast is paradise in Australia, so we are pretty lucky to live here.”
Mr Weber arrived as a backpacker, with his French partner, and they have settled into life in the region.
The 36-year-old immigrant is now a manager at local gym, Good Life Maroochydore, and he has two children.
“So, we’ve got a mix of three languages at home,” he said.
