Mitchelstown Lions Club say thank you

We continue to be moved by the incredible spirit of the Ukrainian people and their leaders, in their united front against the Russian army. Lions Clubs internationally and all over Ireland, have been raising funds to support those actively working on the borders of Ukraine and Poland.

Lions International is working to provide assistance to millions of people who have fled their homes, due to the ongoing conflict. With more expected to leave Ukraine as the war continues, this will further increase the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Last Saturday, Mitchelstown Lions Club obtained a Garda permit to conduct a bucket collection on the streets of Mitchelstown. We would now like to sincerely thank everybody who donated to this fundraising effort.

It is not an exaggeration to say that we were blown away by the generosity of people. The weather turned most inclement, yet, from the collection, Mitchelstown Lions Club has lodged €4,350, which will go directly, along with €2,000 already donated by the Club, to Lions Club International to provide immediate basic requirements for the displaced persons and refugees of Ukraine.

All monies raised by Mitchelstown Lions Club will join the funds raised by Lions Clubs all over the world. Lions serving in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Austria and Slovak Republic, are helping to support the refugees who have crossed their borders. In addition, Lions in Ukraine have received Lions Club International Foundation grants to address the basic needs of people who remain there - purchasing medicine, medical equipment, food and water. Lions are also on the ground, collecting healthcare products and transporting people from the borders of Ukraine to safe zones.

So, thanks to everybody in Mitchelstown who contributed last Saturday, thanks to members and volunteers who helped with the bucket collection. You can be assured that every penny of the money collected will be put to maximum use to help the people of Ukraine.

Indeed, in the face of untold suffering, we are united through kindness.

Mitchelstown Lions Club member, Mary O’Callaghan, pictured with Olena Clifford at last Saturday’s bucket collection organised by the Lions Club, to help the people of Ukraine. Olena, originally from Ukraine and now living in Mitchelstown, requested this photo to forward to members of her family, who are still in Ukraine. She wants them to be aware of the type of support there is for them. On behalf of all the Ukrainian people, who live in and around Mitchelstown, Olena sincerely wishes to thank everyone for their overwhelming generosity and kindness.

Courtesy Denis Motherway) (Picture Two of the volunteers, Pat Lambe and Liz Curran, who helped Mitchelstown Lions Club with their bucket collection in aid of the people of Ukraine last Saturday. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Mitchelstown, €4,350 was raised.

Mitchelstown Lions Club members outside SuperValu, Mitchelstown last Saturday during their street bucket collection, towards helping the people of Ukraine l-r: Therese Horgan, Jim Flynn, Tom Hyland and Mary Griffin.