What began with a pot of bograch became an afternoon of food, conversation, connection and solidarity with Ukraine. Together with Ukrainian defender Serhii Voronin, the Sydney Ukrainian community and Plast NSW gathered for a special fundraising event that ultimately raised $7,346 AUD to purchase a quad bike for Serhii’s artillery brigade on the frontline.
Serhii, a defender of Ukraine and a specialist in making bograch, led the cooking, preparing the hearty Transcarpathian dish alongside members of the community. Often compared to goulash, bograch has its own distinct Ukrainian character — and on this occasion, sharing the meal was as much about bringing people together as it was about the food itself.
The cooking was accompanied by a Q&A with Serhii, giving those gathered an opportunity to hear directly from a Ukrainian defender about his experience and the realities of the ongoing war. The event also included a live connection with Ukraine, where attendees spoke with the commander of the artillery brigade on the frontline that the fundraiser was supporting.
The afternoon even included an unexpected moment of drama, when the scouts sprang into action for a perfectly executed “rescue operation”. 😅
At its heart, however, the event was about collective action. Through donations and support from people who attended in person as well as those who contributed from afar, the community came together to raise the funds needed to purchase a quad bike for Serhii’s artillery brigade.
The organisers extended their thanks to everyone who contributed, as well as to Пласт НПВ / PLAST NSW for co-organising and sponsoring the event. Special recognition also went to the Plastyny and Kureni who supported the fundraiser, particularly Лісові Чорти and Брати Моуглі.
The $7,346 raised is a tangible reminder of what a community can achieve when it comes together around a shared purpose. From a traditional Ukrainian dish cooked in Sydney to a live conversation with the frontline in Ukraine, the day connected community, culture and practical support across thousands of kilometres.
СКОБ!
Слава Україні!
Героям Слава!
“The Bograch cooking day was a great experience. We had the opportunity to learn how to cook Bograch while spending time with a returned soldier and hearing about his experiences. It was interesting to learn about the significance of the dish and how it related back to the soldier. He told us stories about his experience on the frontlines and about some of the animals that lived there. I enjoyed cooking and preparing the dish with everyone and spending time with my friends. Overall, the day was a memorable experience that gave me an insight into life on the frontlines.” Plastynka Yunachka Mila Karliychuk
