Council 'overwhelmed' by community support for Ukraine Appeal

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason has been overwhelmed by community support for the Council’s efforts to donate clothes, blankets and other essential items in response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Donation points were recently opened in Newry Leisure Centre and Down Leisure Centre to enable residents to drop-off blankets, toiletries, dried food and hygiene products. To date the Council has been able to pack over 300 boxes of essential items to the Ukrainian Appeal.  The appeal is being managed by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, Mr Jerome Mullen with the help of a local businesswoman Sylwia Menzyk.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “The Council would like to extend their sincere thanks to residents across the district for their generosity in donating to this appeal. Your kindness means that we have been able to provide over 300 boxes of essential supplies to Ukrainian Citizens, including blankets and sleeping bags, first aid supplies, personal hygiene items, baby food, nappies, tin and dried food and pet food.” 

Cllr Mason continued, “I would like to thank the volunteers that assisted by packing and sorting all of the donations, as well as the volunteer drivers who transported the boxes to Belfast, from where they will begin their journey to the Polish-Ukrainian border.”