Big-hearted County Derry community send aid to Ukraine

Caoimhe McLaughlin is just five years-old but the Magherafelt schoolgirl has a big heart.

Last week as her grandparents rallied around collecting aid to be sent to Ukraine, Caoimhe, who attends Spires Integrated Primary School, took it upon herself to send her own message of hope.

The young girl penned her own letter in a card and slipped in some zloty (Polish currency) before carefully placing the envelope inside a child's coat.

The coat was then placed among other items which had been collected by Patsy and Carmel Cassidy and their family.

Patsy said his young granddaughter's gesture made him 'very emotional'.

“Somebody had given her some Polish money down the line after returning home from Poland and she had held onto it. She got the wee card and wrote it herself and put the money inside. We hope it will help the child who receives it,” said the Ballinderry man.

Members of the Cassidy family pictured with those who helped to collect supplies

The Cassidy family managed to collect supplies to the value of £4,800 in just 48 hours.

Carmel's sister Deirdre O'Boyle and her husband Malachy had decided to send aid to Ukraine and the Cassidy's decided come on board.

With just 48 hours before the van was due to leave, they set the task to try and collect supplies.

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“When you watch what is going on out in Ukraine on the television, it really would bring a tear to your eye, so we decided to help,” said Patsy, who said the family did not want any praise for their efforts.

“I think we were expecting just to get something in the back of the car but we were able to collect so much more.”

Ballinderry Bridge Angling Club, which Patsy is a member of, also made a very generous donation which was used to purchase much-needed items such as food, clothing and medical supplies.

Caoimhe McLaughlin pictured writing her card.

Patsy said local shops, where much of the items were purchased, also made generous donations.

These shops included Ryan's Shop in Ballyronan, McCrystal's Shop in Ballinderry, McKenna's Shop in Ballinderry and Eamon Tennyson, Armagh.

Patsy added: “With the help of Leo and Patricia, Lilly, Margaret Rose, Cahir and Cora our goal was achieved.

“Many thanks also to Patricia and Liam McGuckin, Caroline Quinn and the staff of Ballylifford Primary school.

“Thanks to Pat McKernan, John O’Neill, Siobhan Little, Terence McGuckin, Wesley McClenaghan and all the Cassidy family circle for their generous donations and help.” He added: “A little tear was shed as we watched our grandchildren from two years up start loading the van with some of their shoes and most loved cuddly toys.

“But the tears were nothing compared with the tears of the Ukraine war victims.

“May God guide them all in the right direction.”

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