Down and Dromore MU continues support of Women’s Aid
Almost everyone will all have read or heard on the news about the tragic rise in domestic abuse cases following lockdown as a result of the Covid 19 epidemic.
MU in Down and Dromore have been faithful supporters of Women’s Aid, sending regular donations of bedding, toiletries, clothing, food etc. for over ten years now. Lesley Harvey received a message a number of weeks ago that there was an immediate and ongoing need for basic food supplies for women and families struggling as a result of lockdown. Several members contacted her personally and she took food donations to the Armagh and Newry headquarters.
Following that initial visit, she received a call from MU Trustees in Down and Dromore asking if she would purchase and deliver food supplies on behalf of the MU in the Diocese. Lesley and her son Conor went at the end of May with two trolleys full of cereal, tinned goods, biscuits, juice, pasta, jam etc.
Lesley then received a call from Clare Stewart (Action and Outreach) offering MU toiletry bags as the hospitals are unable to store these due to shortage of space because of the epidemic. Along with the groceries, these were very gratefully received and will make a big difference to some families who are currently finding life extremely challenging.
Hester Kelly from North Down and Ards Women’s Aid writes:
“Many members of our church family and Mothers’ Union Branch have been very faithful supporters of North Down Women’s Aid. We are truly grateful for it. That support has been of a very practical nature with donations of food items, towels and bedding, colouring books, jigsaws and board games. Donations continue to be gratefully accepted”.
We are incredibly indebted to the work that both Hester and Lesley do for Women’s Aid in Newry and Bangor, on behalf of our diocese.