Women’s drive to aid Bosnian community

Women’s drive to aid Bosnian community

11 April 2012 - by BY CIARA COLHOUN

A LARGE lorry of provisions is expected to arrive in Bosnia-Hercegovina later today, bringing a major fundraising campaign in Crossgar to a happy end.

The supplies, which include medical provisions and clothing, will be delivered to

a hospice and to the Red Cross charity

where they will make a big difference to impoverished communities, particularly the

elderly.

The lorry and its driver were waved off last week by a small team of volunteers who were inspired to carry out the fundraising effort after a trip to Medjugorje last September.

During their visit, the women were touched by the beauty of Bosnia-Herzogovina and its strong spiritual dimension, but they were shocked by the extreme level of poverty they witnessed and by the very difficult work being done by volunteers with the old, sick and destitute.

One of the women, Paula Maguire, from Crossgar, said by the time the friends returned home they were determined to send what support they could.

“I first suggested a collection of old clothes and furniture for a hospice which is being built in Mostar, but then the idea took root and the project snowballed,” she said.

“It was certainly a team effort — no-one could have done this on their own, and it’s been great to see friends, neighbours and the wider community rallying round to do what they can.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, and actually arranging to get all the donations sent out has been a challenge, but having heard about the conditions that old people, in particular, are putting up with we couldn’t come back and do nothing.”

It took the team just six months to gather the goods, find storage, raise 4000 Euro for the freight, arrange transport and to deal with foreign customs.

In spite of the many challenges, the friends managed to gather enough donations to supply the hospice and send some goods to the Red Cross in Bosnia-Hercegovina.

“We’ve had help and advice from so many people,” says Paula.

“Councillor Colin McGrath found us supplies via the Belfast Health Trust and local businesses and family friends have rallied round.

“One couple, Stephen and Jo Donnelly, gave up their home and garage for storage before Down Business centre stepped in, while Flanagan’s carpets lent a lorry; Mourne Fireplaces, Stephen and Betty McCartan and St. Joseph’s Primary School in Crossgar all helped.

“We owe thanks to so many people, including to everyone who came along to fundraising events.”

Paula said the lorry was in Germany yesterday and was expected to arrive in Bosnia-Herzogovina this evening or early tomorrow morning.