Parramatta Eels’ act of generosity for Ukrainian refugees

When the Eels learned that a young family of Ukrainian refugees were coming to watch the footy on Sunday they reached out to upgrade the experience.

Ukrainian refugees Liza, Igor with their son Petre will enjoy the footy from a private box. Picture: Richard Dobson

It’s a long way from the devastation of Ukraine to CommBank Stadium to watch the Parramatta Eels in an NRL game on a Sunday afternoon.

A family of recently arrived refugees, who had to escape their war-torn country via Poland, will be at the Eels’ match against the St George-Illawarra Dragons this evening.

Igor Kachenko, his wife Liza and 10-year-old son Petre (names changed) are staying with a family of Eels supporters in Kellyville after arriving in Sydney on Monday.

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Liza and Igor with their son Petre. The Eels will host them in a private box on Sunday. Picture: Richard Dobson

The journey to Australia was via five countries and almost 40 hours in transit.

Speaking through a translator, Igor revealed how his family walked 40 kilometres to the Polish border as Russia invaded and bombed areas within a kilometre of their home.

How they stood at the border with 10,000 others for 24 hours in freezing conditions to escape.

No food and no water.

Photo taken at the Ukraine/Polish border as Igor and Liza waited to cross over.

“I was scared that Petre would be killed or crushed amongst the crowd,” Igor said.

“We are so lucky to be here now and as far away from Europe.

“We saw tanks roll into Kyiv and drive over cars with people still in them. We learned that our friends and their children were shot and killed inside their car.”

On hearing their story, the Eels stepped in to offer tickets and merchandise.

And it’s only fitting that the Eels blue and gold colours match those of Ukraine.

“This family has been through some incredibly tough times,” said Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos, “It’s about our club doing something small to give them a little bit of enjoyment and take their minds off things back home.”