Parishes collect items for Ukraine
Parishes in Down and Dromore have been playing their part in providing for the needs of the people fleeing Ukraine.
We’re especially grateful to Ross and the folks at The Gathering church plant in Belfast for acting as a collection point for blankets, duvets, sleeping bags and personal hygiene items all urgently needed by Ukrainian refugees.
They have been coordinating the response to an appeal by Alan Hopper from Carnmoney. Alan has long–standing connections to three Romanian charities on the ground.
Ross and his small team have been sorting donations for transport to Dublin and onwards to Romania where they are sorted again for distribution in smaller vehicles.
Drumbeg, Hillsborough, Ballyholme, Gilnahirk, Down Cathedral, Inch and Ballymacarrett are some of the parishes who have responded and The Book Well has also donated some Ukrainian children’s story bibles.
Poland
Other parishes including Killinchy and Kilmood, Glencraig and Magherally have responded to the appeal made by Colin Tinsley and his Polish wife Joanna. Colin and his team from Hope for Youth Ministries were already out in Poland near the Ukrainian border as part of their winter outreach activities. They decided to stay there and help with the humanitarian response to the crisis. The charity is coordinating the transport of items to Poland where they work with the local church to see that the supplies reach the people most in need.
St Gall’s Carnalea have shown their support by decking out the St Gall’s bear outside the church in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Passing motorists have shown their approval!
