Longford PPN & Civil Defence launch major Ukraine appeal

Longford Public Participation Network, together with Longford Civil Defence, recently launched an appeal for emergency items, non-perishable foods, animal food and toiletries to support the current plight of the people in Ukraine.

Joining them in their endeavour are Longford Women’s Link (LWL) and Family Resource Centres; Lus na Gréine in Granard and Bridgeways in Ballymahon.

CEO of LWL Tara Farrell said, “Longford Women’s Link stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all our friends and colleagues from Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Romania. We are proud to be a community partner in this PPN and Civil Defence initiative and facilitate drop-off of items in Longford town at our training facility.”

These sentiments were echoed by Lus na Gréine FRC Coordinator, Eileen Finan. Ms Finnan said, “Lus na Gréine FRC is more than happy to support this deserving initiative developed by Co Longford PPN on behalf of communities who want to do everything they can to help. We know that the people of Granard and surrounding areas are heartbroken at this unnecessary and destructive war which is visited on the innocent people of the Ukraine. We truly hope they know we hold them close in our minds and hearts every day.”

Grace Kearney, Bridgeways FRC Coordinator in Ballymahon, stressed, “The situation in Ukraine is harrowing for everyone concerned. At Bridgeways FRC we are delighted to partner with other community and government organisations to support Ukraine. The partnership of organisations results in a clear pathway for the supplies to get to those who need it most in Ukraine. This clear pathway is fundamental for the success of aid to Ukraine.”

When the PPN Secretariat approved the proposal for this initiative, submitted by their Development Officer, Siobhán Cronogue, the first point of contact for Longford PPN was Emma Reid, Civil Defence Coordinator.

Ms Reid remarked, “The volunteers in Longford Civil Defence are delighted to be able to assist with this humanitarian effort for the people of Ukraine. A great working relationship was formed with the PPN and Family resource centres during the Covid19 pandemic and it is lovely to be able to work with them again to benefit those in need outside of our Community.”

Siobhán Cronogue received numerous messages from members of different nationalities asking if the PPN would coordinate an appeal to support the Ukrainian refugees and the hosting countries. She acknowledged that without the Civil Defence, LWL, Lus na Greine FRC, Bridgeways FRC and the community at large this would not have been possible.

Ms Cronogue said, “The response so far is overwhelming. People around the county are deeply saddened and want to help. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia and Belarus who are against this war and the people of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova who are also living with the threat of invasion in the future. I hope a resolution can be found quickly before more innocent lives are lost. Many of our members have family in the countries I have just mentioned, and we want them to know we are here to support them in any way we can.”

She added, “We will continue with our appeal for as long as it is needed. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity and thoughtfulness so far.” Joan Mc Loughlin, Friends of Children from Chernobyl, has also joined Longford PPN with this appeal.

Designated drop off points, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday are:

• Longford Women’s Link, N39 H6R7
• Lús na Greine Family Resource Centre, Granard, N39 R7X4
• Bridgeways Ballymahon Family Resource Centre, N39 TD54

List of donation items

Emergency Items Required: Disposable gloves and face masks, Sterile dressings, First aid bands with dressings, Corn removal plasters, Bandages: regular and elastic, Power banks, USB charging cables, Battery operated flashlights, Batteries, Painkillers (paracetamol)

Non- Perishable Foods: Canned Food/ Non-perishable food, Cereals, Dry Rations (flour, milk food, pulses, rice, pasta, spices, sugar etc.), Tea/ Coffee, Chocolate bars

Animal Food: Dog Food, Cat Food

Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Sanitary products, Shower Gel, Baby products (nappies, wipes, creams etc.)

Please note we are not taking donations of clothes or toys.

For further information please contact Siobhan on 087 261 5583/ email ppn@longfordcoco.ie /scronogue@longfordcoco.ie or Emma Reid at ereid@longfordcoco.ie