Local companies are providing support to Ukraine community

A BALLYMOUNT company is among the many firms nationwide reaching out to Ukraine and utilising their capabilities as a business to provide support.

Walfrid Private, an insurance brokerage run by two Templeogue brothers, last weekend started a number of initiatives to help those displaced by the invasion of Ukraine.

Following an online appeal, the company’s Ballymount-base this week received hundreds of donations from the public and businesses, including medical supplies, equipment, nappies, sleeping bags, ground sheets and non-perishable food.

“People have been so kind and generous,” Eddie, a former teacher in Mac Dara’s Community College, said.

“We’ve had hundreds of donations, people are so fantastic, and donations have come from all ages, local schools are also helping out and doing their bit.”

Earlier this week, the Irish Red Cross issued an appeal for financial donations rather than physical goods, due to the logistical challenges associated with managing and distributing the high volume of items arriving.

To ensure humanitarian aid gets to the people who need it, Walfrid Private has teamed up with a group that has the logistics and manpower on the ground in Poland, with the essential supplies leaving Ireland this Sunday, March 6.

Aislinn, Aoife and Dillon Photos by Mark Pollock

Eddie told The Echo that the company has also reached out online to people who may have family members in the financial industry in Ukraine, with the local company offering a minimum of 10 jobs.

According to Eddie: “We feel we have a duty to do something… and maybe, just maybe we are all in a place to do something good, however small.”

Walfrid Private has also set up an iDonate page called Walfrid Private Ukraine Relief, and they will be raising awareness of the Irish Red Cross’s appeal at an upcoming trade show this weekend.

Speaking with The Echo on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Irish Red Cross said that the charity is encouraging people to support its Ukraine Crisis Appeal, with funds raised going directly to those working on the ground for humanitarian aid.

People can donate online at redcross or make a financial donation for the UNICEF and Red Cross Ukrainian crisis appeals at post offices nationwide, Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings.