Refugee fundraising is completed by local body

Refugee fundraising is completed by local body

30 September 2015

BALLYNAHINCH and Drumaness Refugee Solidarity has brought its campaign to collect donations for European refugees to an official close.

The local group has dispatched almost 200 boxes of donations across Europe following a massive fundraising drive over the past fortnight.

The group was also delighted to have collected a similar amount of donations for women and children seeking refuge in Northern Ireland through the charity Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NICRAS).

The European donations were brought to Calais by lorry last week after which organisers decided to host an event in the Market Hall in Ballynahinch to bring the successful campaign to a close.

They invited refugees from the Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NICRAS) to speak at the event to outline the reality of life for refugees who have already arrived in Northern Ireland.

Justin Kouame, chairman of NICRAS and a refugee from the Ivory Coast, spoke about the work of his organisation, which is the only refugee-led organisation in Northern Ireland. 

He explained that it works to raise awareness of issues, problems and difficulties faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland.

The event was hosted by Anna Morvern, co-ordinator of Ballynahinch and Drumaness Refugee Solidarity. 

Drawing on her personal experience as a refugee lawyer, having frequently visited refugee detention centres across the UK, Anna gave an insight into the situation for those seeking refuge in Europe.

Ballynahinch woman Sheree McAleenan, who worked alongside Andrea Walsh, her counterpart in Drumaness, to support the local campaign, also spoke at the event to thank those who helped provide humanitarian aid to refugees. 

She said these helpers included a graphic designer who designed the group’s posters for free, a local printer who printed posters for no charge, retail outlets who donated countless cardboard boxes for packaging donations and a local man who provided the key to empty premises for sorting and packing the much-needed clothes, blankets and other items.

A cheque for £296 was presented by Drumlins Integrated Primary School to NICRAS, whilst further funds raised by Christ the King Primary School were this week given to the Newry Lions for fuel and transportation of the donations to Europe.