Write a commentIrish Friends of Palestine - Newry and Mourne have opened a shop in Newry to help people support their call for aid for Gaza during the humanitarian crisis the area is in the grip of.
The organisation has launched Gaza Childrens Aid and Toy Drive and have the use of the old Royal Jade premises in Monaghan Street thanks to the Downey family who own Friar Tucks. The shop has become the hub of the operation with boxes after boxes waiting to be filled with donated items.
The items will be picked up from Newry next week and will form part of a shipment organised by Human International that will travel in August to Gaza.
Volunteers will be at the premises until next Tuesday from 9am to 5pm and from 7.30pm to 9pm each day. Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday hours to be decided.
Items required include children’s clothes, shoes and sandals, First Aid Kits, Bandages, Dressings, Plasters, Nappies, Cotton Wool, Baby wipes, bottles and dummies - ALL of these items must be new!
Other items include prams, buggies, cots, mattresses, toys and books for all ages. Childrens and adults bikes with pump and repair kit if possible. These may be used but must be in good and fully working condition.
They CAN'T take liquids, gels, creams or lotions.
Catherine Murphy, one of the organisers said the initiative was taken after the recent Gaza protest at Newry Town Hall, when members of the group wondered what else they could do to help.
Thankfully the help given from local people has been amazing. Commenting Catherine said “We have been overwhelmed by the response we've got from the people of Newry and Mourne and South Armagh, their generosity is amazing to witness.
“We’ve had donations from children giving us their pocket money and even their favourite toys to send to children in Gaza as well as clothes and so many baby products that people have gone out and bought locally and brought to the centre”
Catherine concluded “This wouldn’t have been possible without all our volunteers who have given their time generously and allowed us to open many more hours than we thought possible.”
