Communities across Laois deliver Ukraine aid

Hyland Transport’s Laois base was a hive of activity as scores of volunteers helped sort and pack aid for Ukraine on Saturday. 

Ger Hyland was on hand to help with the steady stream of vehicles arriving with donations. He was thrilled with the turnout and level of support. 

Among those volunteering on the day was Independent TD, Carol Nolan. “We have communities coming from every corner in Co Laois to try and help,” said Deputy Nolan, who added that supplies were also arriving from across the border in nearby Co Offaly.  

“We have such a huge stock already. The stock is coming in since before 9 o’clock this morning and many more to come. A lot of the GAA Clubs are due to come in here now where they have organised collections,” Deputy Nolan explained.  

“It is absolutely fabulous to see such community effort. That’s what we need right across the country. Irish people are known to step up to the mark when we see conflict or we see instances like this occurring,” she said. 

Deputy Nolan expressed her hope that the war would soon end. She believes further sanctions are needed against Russia. “Our solidarity is very much with the people of Ukraine who are suffering badly at this time and the children of course,” she remarked. 

Irina Britanova Listratenko and her daughter Sasha, who fled Kharkov in Ukraine on March 12, were also at the collection point.

“This help is really important for us,” she said. “It is a big pity that we still can’t stop this war because European governments are not ready to support the Ukraine in the way we really need,” she remarked. 

Irina was brought to Ireland in a returning Red Cross vehicle. “I am really happy to find myself here and my daughter,” she said. However, she has left her husband, parents and relatives in Ukraine.

“My city is being bombed from the first day of the war. The war started in my city so it was no way to leave it because of the bombs and Russian tanks, Russian soldiers. They shot cars just in the street so it was dangerous to move on the roads. We found a safe road, a bypass, that is why it was safe to leave our city,” Irina explained. 

She believes the war won’t end in Ukraine and says Europe should provide more weapons and jet fighters.

Irina believes the Ukrainian people will continue to strongly resist the invasion. “ I am pretty sure they will fight to the end. They will not stop, 100 percent because it is our national feature, we never give up. We will struggle for our land until the end,” she added.