Volunteer devotes 50 years to Ukrainian community

Peter Luczka, who has dedicated five decades to serving the Ukrainian community, has been nominated as a finalist for a BBC Make a Difference Award.

Luczka, whose parents arrived in the UK as refugees following World War Two, has been a central figure in the Ukrainian community of Coventry and Warwickshire. He has consistently devoted his time to assisting others and fostering the growth of community organizations.

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Luczka has focused on welcoming Ukrainian refugees, aiming to "help them feel at home and part of the community," he stated.

"There are days when I think, 'Do I really need to do this anymore?' but I am always looking for the next project that will benefit the community," he added.

Luczka began his volunteer work at the age of 15. Over the years, he has undertaken numerous responsibilities, ranging from organizing concerts, rallies, and community events to performing everyday tasks like making tea and sweeping floors after gatherings.

His contributions have become even more crucial since the conflict in Ukraine began. Through his volunteer positions with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Luczka has aided hundreds of displaced Ukrainians in settling in the UK, offering guidance, practical assistance, and a supportive community network.

"We have been incredibly busy assisting people as best as we can," Luczka commented.

Among those he has helped is Olena Liashenko, a Ukrainian refugee who arrived in Coventry from Kyiv with her two children. "We had no friends here at all, so the community helped us so much with understanding all the processes - it was really a massive support to people who had just arrived in the UK," she explained.

Luczka has held significant roles within the AUGB, including chair of its Coventry branch, and currently serves as vice-chair, treasurer, and buildings administrator. He is also a vital member of Coventry's Ukrainian Catholic Church, where he has overseen building improvements, supported clergy, and helped promote community events and activities.

Mario Kosmirak, chair of AUGB Coventry, praised Luczka, stating he is "always there for everyone and deserves a nomination. He is a special person in the community."

Luczka informed the BBC that his volunteering has never been about recognition; rather, it has been a way of life, shaped by his upbringing and driven by a profound commitment to supporting the community. "You don't do it for personal gratification, you do it for the community," he said.

The winners of the BBC awards are scheduled to be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, September 10.