Since the start of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and in response to the needs of Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has been working with funders, including The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation and Benefact Trust, to secure funding of over €230,000 for Church projects across Ireland for the benefit of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. These projects include:
- working, in tandem with the Irish Red Cross and county councils, to upgrade parochial houses to provide appropriate accommodation to Ukrainian families;
- supporting the provision of services and supports to Ukrainians such as English language classes, information sessions, respite activities, Ukrainian language resources, and the purchase of basic goods; and,
- obtaining a grant for the Ukrainian Church, based in the Parish of Donnycarney in the Archdiocese of Dublin, to provide support to over 3,500 Ukrainians that it is engaging with regularly.
€4,532,265 raised from collection at Masses in March in support of Ukrainians
Following the special collection at Masses on 27 March last, €4,532,265 has been raised to date for charitable projects to assist refugees and those remaining in Ukraine. During their Winter General Meeting in Maynooth Bishops stated that, “it is inspiring that people all over Ireland have responded with customary generosity in support of this humanitarian crisis. We commend Trócaire for assisting with our response to the crisis through its partners Caritas Ukraine and Caritas Poland which have a strong presence in the region and can use resources strategically to the greatest effect.”
Bishops continued, “At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus far from His home, and Irish people know well the experience of the migrant. This year we have many new arrivals and refugees in our midst, who have much to offer but need our reassurance and welcome. We ask of our local faith communities to be aware of the needs of our new neighbours and to extend the love of Christ to all this Christmas.”
ENDS
