BY DAVID CONNORS
Clifden has become the hub for providing humanitarian aid from the West of Ireland to regions currently undergoing conflict, thanks to the efforts of a local cleric, community members and businesses throughout the Connemara area.
The campaign began through the work of local Church of Ireland member, Reverend Stan Evans, who is charge of the Omey group of parishes in the diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.
In a short period of time, the group have gathered three lorry-loads of winter clothing and bedding to be distributed in the war-torn areas of Syria and Iraq ahead of the difficult winter period.
Rev. Evans has been based in Clifden for over three years and his work was inspired by English-based Good Samaritan, Samara Levy, whose own aid work has seen over 70 truckloads delivered to territories in the most need during the last two years.
Speaking about the support drive so far, Rev Evans said, “We thought we were setting off on something which would probably create a couple of pallet loads to go over to link up with the “Samara Aid Appeal” in the UK. Nothing was further from the truth. We have had 5,000 boxes and bags of brilliant bedding. Some people bought the stuff new such as winter clothes, bedding and shoes.”
The items were collected over a five week period by local businessman, Charles Wills, who made countless trips around the west of Ireland to gather the vital aid items. A group of tireless workers then formed to package the donations into banana boxes for storage and ease of transport.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.