Today marks one year since Russia’s invasion and illegal occupation of Ukraine – our support is more important than ever.

It’s been a year since Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion of a smaller, peaceful democratic country. The Ukrainians have made huge strides in pushing Putin out, and they’ll start this year with more hardware than ever from Western allies. It’s essential that our support is as unwavering as their courage.

Altogether, they’ve survived and they can win but it’s far from guaranteed. As a small island nation unable to defend ourselves alone, we rely on alliances with like-minded people around the world. In a very real way we are securing New Zealand’s future today. One day when we, or our descendants, need help what we do now will matter. It will matter that we were there when an authoritarian aggressor invaded a democracy that depends on the same rules based order we do. This is why I’m asking you to come out again and support Ukraine.

If you attended one of David’s first two fundraisers, thank you. If you attended both, fantastic! If this will be your first Ukraine fundraiser, I welcome you. But either way, we cannot let our attention wane as Ukrainians enter their second year of struggle. They are not only fighting for their lives, but the freedom of democratic people everywhere.

The first fundraiser contributed to Zelenskyy’s United 24 fund for medical and combat equipment. The second fundraiser helped the charity buy4aukrainian.org buy power generators, heating radiators and starlink terminals to keep Ukrainian defenders connected and warm during energy outages caused by Russian missiles.

Our goal with this Tuesday March 21 Fundraiser is to raise $20,000 for the charity buy4aukrainian.org. With your support, we can continue to strengthen the fight against evil and ensure the Russia/Ukraine war is not a forgotten war.

Ukrainian MP Maryan Zablotskyy, an MP in Zelenskyy’s Party, has agreed to speak to us from on the ground in Ukraine and provide an update on the situation.

Tenby Powell, well known Kiwi and former Mayor of Tauranga, will be joining us to share his very personal and current perspective of the war from within the Red Zone. Tenby’s experience spans the private business sector, government entities and the Military and he has used his skills to establish Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation), an organisation operating in the Red Zones delivering aid to front line hospitals, medical centres and residents and evacuation capability for those who need to escape dangerous zones.

Auction: We will also be holding an auction where you will be able to bid to buy luggage tags made out of the authenticated fuselage of downed Russian fighter planes, and remains of the Ukrainian Antonov An-225 "Mriya", the worlds largest aircraft.

We hope you’ll join us but if you can't join us but would like to contribute thank you in advance.