Sunflowers of Hope for Ukraine

On Saturday 11 May, an inspiring 872 Queenslanders stepped out at ALWS’ first Brisbane Walk My Way and sent a bright message of hope to Ukrainian children and families displaced by war.

The group of walkers, dressed in bright blue t-shirts made for a stunning sight as they crossed the Goodwill Bridge at Southbank and strolled along the picturesque Brisbane River.

Up front were the eager runners led by Rev Mark Vainikka, Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District 

… followed by young and old, Lutheran family and community friends, walking side-by-side to send a special message of love and support from the heart of Brisbane to the hearts of the Ukrainian people.

Bishop Mark, shared his motivation for walking running Walk My Way Ukraine, “I’ve met Ukrainian refugees in Europe and seen the impact of displacement especially in the lives of the young. By participating in Walk My Way Ukraine I hope to have a small positive impact on their lives.”  

The walk was a beautiful expression of faith in action with members from Lutheran congregations, schools and care services coming together to share their Christian love through ALWS. Queensland Lutherans travelled from as far as Gladstone, Kingaroy, Dalby, Hervey Bay, Buderim, and the Gold Coast to be part of this collective expression of faith. Of particular note was our oldest walker Fred Stolz, former Principal of Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell who completed the 3km loop with his extended family.

Walk My Way Ukraine was the largest community Walk My Way event organised by ALWS. The 872 Queensland walkers eclipsed the previous record held by the 2021 Barossa Walk My Way event with 661 walkers.

Organised in partnership with the Ukrainian Community of Queensland and with the support of platinum partner the LLL, the event raised must needed funding for projects delivered by ALWS’ international partner Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Collectively walkers raised over $178,000 (and rising) to provide emergency food and water to families in need, rebuild classrooms so children can return to school and renovate 1500 apartments in Kharkiv so families can return home.

ALWS’ Walk My Way Ukraine featured a 3km or 12.5km walk that started and finished at a ‘Community Hub’ setup at QUT Gardens Point Campus with Ukrainian food stalls, live entertainment and a special Kids Zone.

As walkers ambled through the heart of Brisbane, their bright blue shirts displayed the unofficial national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower. The sunflower is a symbol of peace as it always turns toward the sun, so shadow falls behind it. This is the hope that walkers shared as they stepped out at Walk My Way Ukraine.