North tipp aid sent to refugees in calais

The North Tipperary Calais Refugee Solidarity was set up after an appeal was put on Facebook asking for people to help out.

Tanya McMahon and Andrea De Vito of Nenagh got in touch with people in Cork who were organising the collection. After setting up a Facebook page and a few phone calls, in one day there were people willing to help out in Thurles, Roscrea, Templemore and Nenagh. Pages were set up and locations to drop donations off at.

Margaret Spillane and Fiona Ryan had secured a premises in Nenagh for donations to be dropped off, thanks to local business man Tom Walsh. Thanks to a fantastic team of volunteers, we were able to open for nearly two full weeks to the public to accept donations.

In Nenagh, we collected 74 family care packs, which included towels, shampoo, shower gel, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, nappies, wipes, and other essential items. Also collected were some 1,605 men's jumpers, 250 pairs of men's and boys' boots and shoes, and 340 coats.

All of these donations went to Shannon Airport. The last load left Nenagh last Friday and we were completely blown away by the generosity of the Nenagh people. Any financial donations that we received will be sent to Calais to help pay for food for the people in the refugee camps.

We couldn't have done this without the help of all involved, so thanks again to all who volunteered their time and to all those who donated.
For more information contact Tanya McMahon on 086-8494379 or visit the Facebook page 'North Tipperary Calais Refugee Solidarity'.