Laois Integration Network (LIN) and the Portlaoise/Stradbally St Vincent de Paul have commended the exemplary work being done by the Stradbally community in helping Ukrainian refugees.
Laois Integration Network is working with local branches of St Vincent de Paul in Stradbally and Portlaoise to support any volunteers who wish to donate their time, expertise or items needed by Ukrainian refugees living at the temporary tented accommodation electric picnic site in Stradbally.
Controversy erupted at the sudden announcement of the arrival of Ukrainian refugees to tents at the Electric Picnic site at the beginning of September.
On the last day of the Electric Picnic, the staff at the Pink Moon Boutique glampsite clubbed together their tips in order to buy new toys for the incoming families.
Without any delay, volunteers from the Stradbally community have worked together round the clock to ensure all refugees are made feel welcome and safe.
Emer Liston, a member of Laois Integration Network and a resident from Stradbally said that it is simply overwhelming to see the streams of support from people in Stradbally.
She said: “The outpouring of support and help once we in LIN and SVP put out an appeal for clothes, footwear, help with English classes, kids toys and much, much more, has been stunning.
“We have been inundated with support. There are many people in the community who are working so hard, including Rev Alec Purser who has literally given over his church to house donations and Fr David Vard who, along with all the community of Stradbally, have opened their hearts and arms to the refugees from Ukraine.”
Billy Fitzpatrick from the local St Vincent de Paul said that they were delighted to be playing their part in assisting the community of Stradbally and he particularly commended the Stradbally St Vincent de Paul shop and the long standing volunteers there who are doing stellar work.
Mr Fitzpatrick also thanked PATH and Hennessy Auctioneers for sponsoring stationery for children in the tent site, as many are attending online classes and school.
Karen McHugh, Chair of Laois Integration Network did however stress that although the Stradbally community are doing stellar work, the tented accommodation is still most unsuitable for refugees.
Ms McHugh commented: “It is simply heartbreaking to hear the rain pouring down over the past few days and nights and to imagine refugees having to sleep, shower, rear children in such conditions.
“The government must endeavour to introduce adequate protocols, standards and guidelines for good practice in all accommodation outlets where Ukrainian refugees are housed.”
Anyone based locally who is interested in volunteering or offering their support in any way: please email laoisintegrationnet@gmail.com, or leave contact details at the St Vincent de Paul Stradbally shop on Main St. Stradbally or by messaging either LIN or SVP on FB Messenger.
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