SVP call for donations of clothes, shoes, toiletries and vouchers to support Ukrainian Families

It is estimated that more than 2,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Kerry where they are being accommodated in hotels, hostels, convents, and homes. Most arrive with little more than the clothes they wore having travelled for days and sometimes weeks!

St Vincent de Paul members have been meeting many groups shortly after their arrival to provide urgently needed clothes, shoes, and toiletries. They also give them vouchers for Dunnes, Penny’s and other stores to buy personal items and toiletries… and SVP vouchers to shop in any SVP charity store across the region. (Cork and Kerry). For more remote locations with large groups, SVP have set up Pop-Up shops where large volumes of clothing, shoes and accessories are provided for them onsite.

Such is the demand that SVP now finds its stock of clothing, shoes, toiletries, and vouchers running very low. It is therefore calling for assistance from the generous public to donate clothes, shoes and vouchers for further groups expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Donations can be dropped into any SVP shops and offices throughout the south-west. Donated items are sorted, prepared for use and provided to the Ukrainian families through special Pop-Up shops at the various larger scale accommodation locations and in svp shops.
Those wishing to make a financial donation may do so by visiting www.svp.ie/donate and choosing the South West region.

The biggest demand is for casual and comfortable wear for ladies and children and casual shoes/runners… in sizes 4 – 8 as the majority of those arriving are women and children fleeing the war in their homeland.

Commenting on the worsening situation, Regional President Paddy O’Flynn said

“The sadness and despair in the eyes of those children is heart-breaking and we as a society can and must do everything we can to assist them through this difficult period. Our members and staff are working hard to provide urgent assistance to our Ukrainian families, and I am again asking the public to support our efforts by donating clothes and vouchers which can be dropped into any of our offices and shops throughout Cork and Kerry”.