LAST year 81 year old Ipswich businessman, Martin Corkery, went to Ukraine because in his words “he wanted to know what was happening and wanted to see what he could do for the people”.
He flew into Poland organised a guide to take him over the border and paid to stay with a local family in Ukraine.
During his time there he decided to sponsor a local man named Dennis and his family.
Dennis like thousands of other Ukrainians had nowhere to go for work because his entire country was in war mode against Russia.
At the time Martin didn’t realise just how important his sponsorship would be as he now prepares to return in a few weeks to Ukraine as part of a small Rotary International delegation.
Together with fellow Ipswich Rotarian, Dr Denis Bartrum, they will be attending meetings with 27 Rotary clubs throughout Ukraine. Dennis will be their chauffeur and guide as they attempt to move safely across the war ravaged country.
“We will be asking the Ukrainian Rotary Club’s what we can do to help rebuild such things as schools, childcare centres and playgrounds,” Martin said. “They will be making presentations to us and we will bring back this information with some recommendations to Rotary International to see what can be done.
“In all we will be in Ukraine for six weeks speaking with fellow Rotarians.”
Martin said he was aware of the dangers, but wasn’t concerned for their safety as the Ukrainians knew where they could and couldn’t take them.
Dr Bartrum has experience travelling in war zones having worked in Vietnam and Iraq. Martin has been in contact with the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia who is helping to facilitate their rebuilding mission.
