Humanitarian aid collections for Ukraine taking place across the county this week
Collections are being held across Westmeath this week to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
In Mullingar, the locally owned cosmetics firm Inglot is arranging a courier to travel to Poland where tens of thousands of Ukrainians are currently seeking refuge. People can drop off donations at Inglot's depot in the Lough Sheever Corporate Park tomorrow, Tuesday (1-7pm) and Wednesday, 9am-3pm.
Inglot managing director Jane Swarbrigg said she and her colleagues felt compelled to do something for the people of Ukraine.
“We’ve done this very last minute, but we’re reaching out to the people of Mullingar, Westmeath, the midlands, as this is where our main depot is located, and we’re hoping that anybody who’s interested, who has felt quite helpless looking at the ongoing crisis, might be able to donate small things that they come across at home, or that they can find in the shops, from baby nappies to formula, to batteries, first aids kits – things like that, very basic items.
“We’re trying to ship as much as we can by Thursday, with this amazing courier service, Green Speed, who are doing this around the country at the moment.
“There may be other volunteers and centres set up now in the midlands, but we don’t know of any others in Mullingar, and as you can tell, it’s urgent at this time, and all the items are listed.
“The organisations we’re working with are looking for specific items right now. They’re not looking for clothes just yet, but we hope to do a follow-up when they need that. It’s people in shelters and they have nothing, so any small thing that people can donate is welcome.
“We’re also going to reach out to the bigger supermarkets and the pharmacies might be able to help as well,” she said.
Kristina Milligan is spearheading the collection in the Kilbeggan and Rochfortbridge area. She said that she has been inundated with donations in recent days.
“My phone hasn't stopped ringing. People really want to help,” she said. Kristina can be contacted on 0877711970.
In the Rathowen area, Jeremiah Nally, is collecting items such as blankets sleeping bags, sanitary and toiletry items along with children’s toys to send out to support the humanitarian efforts for the people of Ukraine. If you would like to donate or would like to help with the collection, contact Jeremiah on 087 4309096, or Kevin Brady at Streete Parish Park on 087 1375222.
In the Coralstown Kinnegad area, Cooney Kitchens and Bedrooms is acting as a collection point for the organisation Dublin WOSP, which is organising humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. People can drop in donations at their showroom in Corlastown from 8am to 5pm.