Retired Angus nurse launches latest appeal for Syrian refugees

Angus people’s champion Irene Gillies is running a collection for Syrian refugees holed up in a camp in the Lebanon.

The former district nurse from Brechin is seeking donations of clothes for babies through to adults, as well as toiletries and tools which will allow those held in camps enjoy some quality of life.

Irene, 69, has organised a number of collections for the refugees, who have been kept in the camps for the last seven years.

Working closely with Edinburgh Direct Aid, she is asking for donations of warm clothing which will help families endure the winter months.

She said: “We are collecting baby clothes – although not white due to superstitions – winter coats, boots, Wellingtons, anything for babies, children, men and women.

“I have been doing this for four or five years now.

“We take the donated items down to Edinburgh, then Direct Aid distributes them to the Lebanon.

“Some of the refugees have been living in garages they have built but others are in tents.

“How they survive a winter, with all the snow, I do not know.”

As well as clothing, donations of toiletries, including female hygiene items (excluding tampons), will be accepted, as will towels, tools, craft items and gardening equipment.

Irene continued: “We also send over loads of wool, knitting needles and sewing material as the ladies occupy their days either knitting or sewing.”

Donations can be handed in to Brechin Cathedral between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday August 26 to Friday August 30.