Emergency collection in Derry for refugees

An emergency collection in aid of refugees is taking place at the Millennium Forum in Derry. It has been organised by the local Concern Worldwide support group to help the humanitarian agency.

Refugees have been forced to take desperate measures to escape various countries, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Libya.

Michael McDaid, a member of the local Concern support group, said one of the most effective ways to help was through agencies like Concern, who have been meeting the needs of tens of thousands of people affected by the fighting in Syria, since 2013.

Local people are being given the opportunity to donate to the appeal at a collection point in the Millennium Forum today and Saturday between 1.000am and 6.pm. .

Meanwhile, a number of local groups have come together in a bid to have Derry designated a ‘City of Sanctuary’ for refugees.

It’s comprised of representatives from the Pat Finucane Centre, the Bloody Sunday Trust, Creggan Enterprises and the Old Library Trust.

They are asking community groups and Non-Governmental Organisations to make Derry City and Strabane District Council area a place of sanctuary for refugees.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Council, Elisha McCallion, has appealed to families across the Derry and Strabane area to show their support by putting a lit candle on their window sills between 8.00pm and 9.00pm tonight.

Anyone interested in giving their time to help with the local campaign is asked to contact the mayor’s office at [email protected], while those looking to donate money to the cause can find a collection box at the Guildhall.

A march and rally, organised by local trade unions, will leave Derry’s Waterside Railway Station tomorrow afternoon and make its way to Guildhall Square.