Volunteer devotes 50 years to Ukrainian community
BBCA man who has spent 50 years serving the Ukrainian community and helping refugees has been nominated as finalist for a BBC Make a Difference Award.
Peter Luczka, whose parents came to the UK as refugees after World War Two, has been at the heart of the Ukrainian community in Coventry and Warwickshire, dedicating his time to supporting others and helping community organisations thrive.
Since the Ukraine war, his focus has been on welcoming Ukrainian refugees, "helping them feel at home and part of the community", Lucska said.
"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 volunteering aged 15, and over the decades he has taken on countless roles, from organising concerts, rallies and community events to carrying out everyday tasks such as making cups of tea and sweeping floors after events.
His work has become even more vital since the war in Ukraine began.
Through his voluntary roles with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Luczka has helped hundreds of displaced Ukrainians settle in the UK, providing guidance, practical support and a welcoming community network.
"We have been incredibly busy assisting people as best as we can," Luczka said.
Among those he has helped is Ukrainian refugee Olena Liashenko, 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 said.
Luczka has held senior roles with the AUGB, including chair of its Coventry branch, and currently serves as vice-chair, treasurer and buildings administrator.
He is also a key 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, said he is "always there for everyone and deserves a nomination.
"He is a special person in the community," she added.
Luczka told the BBC that volunteering has never been about recognition, it has been a way of life, shaped by his upbringing and driven by a deep 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 will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday 10 September.
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