Community digs deep for Latvian family

Community digs deep for Latvian family

4 January 2012

THE response to a Christmas appeal to help a homeless Latvian family in Downpatrick has been described by the businessman who launched it as “phenomenal.”

Mr. Oliver Sloan appealed for people to donate clothes, food and presents for Kristina Podoprigora, her partner Konstantins Mitrovskis and their young children Bardo and Ariana.

He went public with his appeal after rescuing the family from the nightmare of a life on the streets in Downpatrick just days before Christmas.

Mr. Sloan, who along with several other businessmen provided the family with accommodation and food, appealed for local people to provide the family with some festive cheer, particularly their young children.

He said he was “overwhelmed” by the generosity of people who made a big effort to ensure Christmas was really special for the Latvian family.

“People donated food, clothes, disposable nappies, money and toys including children’s prams and dolls. There was so much of it that I gave some of the items to St. Vincent de Paul to distribute to other needy families in the area,” said Mr. Sloan.

“The response was nothing short of phenomenal and I can’t thank everyone who donated items enough. I was staggered by the response which showed just how much the people of the area wanted to help this family.”

Mr. Sloan said Kristina and Konstantins were also amazed at the response which made their Christmas really special.

He added: “I never imagined when I launched the appeal that it would be so successful. The family is so grateful for the efforts and generosity of so many people.”