Call to support refugee charity

THE Ireland Refugee Solidarity Group, (formerly the Cork to Calais Convoy) has invited people to grab some bargains at a warehouse sale taking place next Saturday in Cork City.

Over the past few weeks the group has been stockpiling items donated by the public ready to be shipped to the thousands of refugees stranded at makeshift camps in Calais, Syria,Serbia and Croatia.

As it is not possible for all of the donated items to be shipped to the refugee camps, the group will selling the remaining items from their warehouse on the Marina Commercial Park between 11am and 5pm next Saturday.

The proceeds from the sale will used to buy urgently needed supplies for the refugees.

Spokeswoman Carol Doyle said the group was founded in August with the modest aim of raising €400.

“Our appeal struck a nerve and since then, mobilising hundreds of people across Cork raising thousands of Euro in the process,” said Carol.

While the Cork warehouse was the hub of their activity the group created 70 collection point across the county, including one in Mallow.

“Thanks to the people of Cork we have been able to send out six aid convoys. Volunteers have also been to Calais to see at first hand the conditions refugees are living in and how the aid from Cork is making a difference,” said Carol.

“Following on from that it was decided future funding would be best used to provide medical supplies and purchase emergency supplies on location.

“Items for sale on Saturday will include clothing, footwear, home wares, tents and sleeping bags. It will be an opportunity for people to see behind the scenes, talk to people who have been to the refugees camps and pick up a bargain,” said Carol.

“Above all, it will give the public a chance to help out refugees in desperate need,” she added.