The Kind Work of the Blue Peony Foundation, Part 2 of 2

Co-founder Zoia Douglas now explains how the effective use of social media has helped with the charity’s success. The donations received have been essential to the newly arrived individuals and families in starting their new life in Australia. When beginning to rebuild their lives, many fundamental items are required.

The Foundation has been assisting the newly arrived Ukrainians on many levels. This includes organizing English classes, aiding them in accessing the health care system, assisting with the purchase of transportation passes, helping individuals to prepare for job interviews, and so much more. And importantly, the volunteers are always present with a smile, a hug, and words of encouragement and support. The Foundation has been serving displaced Ukrainians for months now, and during this time, the co-founders have noticed some positive changes in those who are visiting the center.

Zoia and Iryna also expressed their appreciation to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members from the Sydney Center. The Association members have been purchasing vegan food and other necessities and donating them to the Foundation as it has been so graciously assisting the Ukrainian arrivals.

For anyone who is inspired by the work of the Blue Peony Foundation, Ms. Douglas has some words of encouragement if you are thinking of reaching out to assist someone who needs it. “Don't be afraid, and don't get sidetracked by other people if you know in your heart that there is something that you want to do. Don't think that this is not enough, I'm just one person. And that's not true, because I was one person when I put that message out, but look at us now. There's a lot more than one, and there's heaps of volunteers, so many supporters that want to help that they provide their services, they provide their goods; they find us. So, I can't even imagine the number of people that are working on this together, maybe close to 500… I don't know, it's a lot! And it only happened in two months. So, I would say, if you think that there is something you can do out there, don't stop yourself. Don't let other people stop you. Just do it, and then you'll see what happens.”