Strabane’s generosity for Ukraine ‘phenomenal’

THE kindness of Strabane people has shone through in recent days as numerous drives to collect supplies for the people of Ukraine took place throughout the district.

One such initiative took place at the Basia food shop in Abercorn Square, owned by Polish native Barbara Mitoraj who, along with a dedicated team of helpers, sent what they could to refugees who came from her homeland’s neighbouring country.

One of those involved in the drive, Joanna Peplinska, has been overwhelmed by the response by the towns people.

“The level of generosity has been nothing short of phenomenal. I’ve been in Strabane for six years, but this past week has truly shown me just how good the people of Strabane truly are. Between the drop-ins at the shop and the Melmount Centre, we managed to send a total of 54 pallets worth of supplies to Belfast for transportation to Poland to assist the refugees.

“We’ve had people coming in and dropping in groceries, toiletries, whatever they can spare to help,” she explained.

“Not only that, but they’ve also been willing to give up their time as well as their goods with people popping in on their lunch hour, or whenever they can spare an hour or so, to help us sort through what we have received and get it ready for transportation. So many people gave their time and really dug deep to get the supplies needed.”

Joanna was part of a four-woman core team orchestrating the drive, along with Barbara, Monika Pochylska and Tracy Gillespie, all of whom brought their own area of expertise.

While Barbara provided the location, Monika helped gather supplies alongside organising a donation of £6,500 through her job as a classroom assistant in Holy Cross while Tracey was instrumental is sorting out transportation of the goods to Belfast.

Joanna says the drive also gave her the opportunity to learn new skills, such as how to pack a palette safely, organisational skills and other things which she aims to implement in her daily life going forward.

Although done for now, Joanna says that if required, they are more than prepared to begin again to send more supplies out, expecting the conflict in Ukraine to rumble on for some time yet, while taking the opportunity to thank everyone who made this drive a success.

“So many people pitched in, and we have so many people to thank. We have received support from far and wide; Miriam Gallagher in Castlefinn, the Basia shops both here and in Enniskillen, the Polish community both here and in Derry as well as the Strabane natives who worked tirelessly, Holy Cross College, North West Regional College in Derry and Drumragh in Omagh, local businesses such as 21 Training, O’Neills and McColgans, the haulage companies and truck drivers who assisted with transport and everyone who assisted in collection and packaging. I honestly wish I could thank you all by name.

“Strabane and its people truly are wonderful, generous souls.”