Mullingar Lions Club responding to humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

While the focus of Mullingar Lions Club’s charitable activities is the local community, members are also part of a national and international organisation, and in both contexts, the conflict in Ukraine has resonated with them.

The war has forced many to flee from Ukraine and seek refuge in other countries including Ireland.

“Indeed we have learned of the experiences of several Ukrainian refugees who have sought sanctuary in Mullingar and surrounding areas through this paper in recent weeks,” said a spokesperson for Mullingar Lions Club.

“The conflict, images of which we see on the news and social media on a daily basis since it started, has resulted in families separated and whole cities and towns levelled as a result of constant bombardment.

“In this time of need, Mullingar Lion’s Club, like other Lion Clubs around Europe, are uniting through kindness to help the people of Ukraine and in doing so demonstrate their solidarity with them.”

They are organising a coffee morning in The Greville Arms Hotel on Friday, June 10, from 10am 12.30pm, and all proceeds will go to Ukraine appeals.

“If you are able to drop in for a coffee, your support for this project would be greatly appreciated.”

Mullingar Lions Club are also organising a Midsummer Ball for 17 June in the Village Barn, Tyrrellspass. It will start with a drinks reception at 6.30pm followed by a sit-down four-course meal with music and dancing late into the night. Dress is informal and tickets are €100 each.

“This is an ideal opportunity to support worthy causes, have a staff event and have a great night out.

“In addition, funds generated by this project will support the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNA) and our own family support project. The event is sponsored by David Smyth Catering, so all ticket sales will go to the three charities.”

IMNA services include home visits by their four MND nurses, financial assistance towards home help and the supply of specialised equipment on loan. They also fund and promote research into the causes and treatments of MND.

“Mullingar Lions Club gratefully acknowledges the generosity of our local community in supporting our events. Without your support, we would not be able to serve our community and support families in need.”

Tickets for the Midsummer Ball are restricted to 150 and are available from David Coghlan at Hayes Coghlan Doolan, phone 044 9348860.

If interested in attending, don’t delay - order your tickets now to avoid disappointment.