Laois community commended on helping Ukrainians living in 'heartbreaking' tents as Storm Agnes looms

Laois Integration Network (LIN) and the Portlaoise/Stradbally St Vincent de Paul have commended what they say is the exemplary work being done by the Stradbally community in helping Ukrainian refugees.

In a statement, the Laois Integration Network said it is working with local branches of St Vincent de Paul in Stradbally and Portlaoise to support any volunteers who wish to donate their time, expertise or items needed by Ukrainian refugees living at the temporary tented accommodation Electric Picnic site in Stradbally.

Karen McHugh, Chair of Laois Integration Network, stressed that although the Stradbally community are doing stellar work, the tented accommodation is still most unsuitable for the hundreds of refugees living there.

"It is simply heartbreaking to hear the rain pouring down over the past few days and nights and to imagine refugees having to sleep, shower, rear children in such conditions. The government must endeavor to introduce adequate protocols, standards and guidelines for good practice in all accommodation outlets where Ukrainian refugees are housed," she said.

Emer Liston, a member of Laois Integration Network and a resident from Stradbally said that it is simply overwhelming to see the streams of support from people in Stradbally.

"The outpouring of support and help once we in LIN and SVP put out an appeal for clothes, footwear, help with English classes, kids toys and much, much more, has been stunning. We have been inundated with support. There are many people in the community who are working so hard, including Rev Alec Purser who has literally given over his church to house donations and Fr David Vard who, along with all the community of Stradbally, have opened their hearts and arms to the refugees from Ukraine," said Ms Liston.

Billy Fitzpatrick from Laois St Vincent de Paul said that they were delighted to be playing their part in assisting the community of Stradbally and he particularly commended the Stradbally St Vincent de Paul shop and the long-standing volunteers there who are doing stellar work. Mr Fitzpatrick also thanked PATH and Hennessy Auctioneers for sponsoring stationery for children in the tent site, as many are attending online classes and school.

Anyone based locally who is interested in volunteering or offering their support in any way: please email laoisintegrationnet@ gmail.com, or leave contact details at the St Vincent de Paul Stradbally shop on Main St. Stradbally or by messaging either LIN or SVP on FB Messenger.

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