Lifeline services receive vital ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ support
Nenagh Guardian plays a part in initiative
The Ireland for Ukraine Fund has announced details of €5.2 million in grants with money raised being used to help meet the needs of those seeking safety in Ireland as well as men, women and children living on the ground in Ukraine in the shadow of the war.
Local communities rallying together to welcome people fleeing from Ukraine, specialised trauma services, care for children torn apart from their parents as well as general wellbeing and access to work services are receiving support from the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ Fund.
Started by Irish media organisations, including the Nenagh Guardian, in response to the humanitarian crisis, the fund has rallied support from local clubs, schools and communities, along with significant support from Government. The awareness generated by the campaign has provided a total of €7 million in support both in direct donations and from donors to The Community Foundation for Ireland. The fund is supported by a €5 million donation from Government provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
In Tipperary, the Millennium Family Resource Centre received €15,000 and this will be used to upgrade washing machines and clothes dryers in the community laundry, providing support to local Ukrainian refugees.
The Community Foundation for Ireland, which is managing the fund on behalf of the media partners and Government, is announcing the support, which is being split between the need for a humanitarian response here at home as well as international agencies UNICEF, The Irish Red Cross, Concern and Trócaire.
Across Ireland over 100 projects are receiving grants with a focus on those requiring specialised supports such as trauma care as well as day to day services. Self-advocacy and story-telling projects will give Ukrainians in Ireland a voice to keep the focus on the families which are at the very centre of the crisis.
The grants awarded here at home range from €5,000 to local groups set up to welcome people fleeing for their lives into Irish communities through to €100,000 to networks of charities and organisations who are uniting to deliver a more effective response.Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, said: “We have seen the outpouring of support in communities across the country, assisted by the vital roles played by community and voluntary organisations. The contribution of €5m by Government to this Fund will enable those most in need to be assisted by the NGOs involved and provide meaningful and essential supports to our communities to welcome and help the people coming from Ukraine.
“The grants provided to the projects will support continued engagement with the Ukrainian community through a range of initiatives, supports and interventions including outreach and focusing on building the capacity of Local Community Groups.
These groups are meeting immediate humanitarian needs, providing transport, translation services, provision of English language supports and drop-in services – all vital elements of community integration.”
Announcing the funding Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland, said: “Generosity, humanity and compassion are at the very centre of the response of the Irish people to this crisis. Ireland for Ukraine struck a chord which has seen donations from children selling cakes, bridge evenings, athletics clubs, swims, musical evenings and so much more.
“The awareness-raising through our media partners helped people see that the need is great not just on the ground but also much closer to home. This fund gives reassurance that every donation is being used to address both.”