Tyrone brothers preparing convoy of aid for Ukraine

A MAJOR relief effort for the people of war-torn Ukraine will see two brothers from Altamuskin embark on a humanitarian trip to eastern Europe.

Michael and Donal Donnelly have enlisted the help of community associations across Mid-Tyrone to fill four large agricutlural sheds at their Hilltop Flying Club outside Sixmilecross. But this is not the first time that the brothers have spearheaded an appeal for help.

In 1995, they travelled to Bosnia to help the people affected by the war there, and are now getting set for a second relief effort.

The brothers are planning to ferry aid to eastern Europe and have appealed for any community organisations or groups who want assistance with transporting donations to get in contact with them.

They hope to take at least four articulated lorries to help the stricken refugees of Ukraine, fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion.

Speaking to the UH this week, Michael Donnelly said they were spurred into action after watching the news… and within hours were being flooded with offers of assistance.

“Our aim is to get enough material to fill four lorries,” he said. “We’ve got a contact in Poland who will be able to advise us on where the donations will be best used.”

Mr Donnelly continued, “What we’re looking for is any non-perishable foods like tinned goods, cereal as well as clothes, bedclothes and nappies.

“Our hope is to get away to Poland as soon as possible; the distance is 1,600 miles or so and it takes a few days.”

Appealing for donations, he stated, “Any help would be greatly appreciated, and if there’s anybody who could take a lorry to Poland, or donate a trailer, then please get in contact. We’ve also been trying to get in touch with the ferry companies to see if they can help.

“The people of the Mid-Tyrone area are always very generous, and we’ve no doubt that it will be no different on this occasion.”

Fr Michael O’Dwyer, parish priest of Errigal Ciaran, said people have been inspired to help after seeing the distressing images on television of people suffering in Ukraine.

“Every little bit that people can provide is going to be of assistance, whether it’s blankets, clothing or non-perishable food. It will go to help the people of Ukraine,” he said.