Athlone resident, Nicole Lonican, is showing her support for the Ukraine cause, uniting with a nationwide group, the sole aim of which is the collection of goods for transportation to two centres located at the country’s border, namely Kro?cienko and Rzeszów.
The images relayed from war torn Ukraine has stirred the hearts and minds of the Irish nation with numerous collections ongoing at a local level in support of the country currently under Russian invasion.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Nicole stated that support for the Ukraine cause continues to grow with various goods collection points now established in Athlone.
We are collecting as much as possible at each collection point and relying on the volunteer spirit of couriers to donate their time and drive to a centre in Dublin for shipment and as you can imagine the support has been massive.
“I am currently collecting goods in my home and can be contacted on 0857803411 regarding donations. The Sinn Fein office on Lloyd’s Lane have also offered to be a collection point while Magico Bakery on the old Dublin Road are also collecting each Friday from 2-5pm.
“Our first delivery to Dublin will be next week, but we will be collecting much needed goods for the Ukrainian people until the end of March,” Nicole said.
Items which can be contributed towards the cause are shampoos, soaps, deodorants, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby powder, wipes, nappies (personal items ), bandages, disinfectant, burn cream (first aid supplies ), food with a long shelf life, blankets, sleeping bags, thermos flasks (new or in very good condition ) and children’s toys.
“There are a number of collections ongoing elsewhere in the town at Athlone GAA and TUS as well as additional businesses such as Glamour Beauty SPA on Barrack Street and possibly many more of which I am unaware, but Athlone has been massively supportive so far with individuals and groups so eager to offer their time and donations to assist the Ukraine cause,” Nicole concluded.