Refugee Crises - Collection

Council Rallies to Aid of Refugees as Donation Points set up Across the District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is supporting the Northern Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity group in their efforts to collect warm clothes and other essentials to try to help meet the immediate needs of people fleeing war torn homes.

Appealing to the citizens of Newry, Mourne and Down, Council Chairperson Naomi Bailie said, “The Council would like to encourage people to give what they can to help. This is an international crisis and we can make a difference by providing warm clothing or other useful items to show our support, there are also volunteer opportunities available. Those who cannot give items or their time but would like to assist financially towards transport and storage costs as well as additional aid on the ground can do so by visiting the Northern Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity on Facebook.”

Cllr Bailie outlined the items which can be donated, “Items needed are tents, heavy duty rubbish bags, blankets and sleeping bags, men's warm winter clothes in S/M sizes, hats and gloves, men's shoes (runners and walking), candles and torches, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving foam, medicines and First Aid supplies, bikes and puncture repair kits.”  

“You can drop off these items to the Solidarity Collection Points at: Ballynahinch Leisure Centre; Crossgar Community Centre; Kilkeel Leisure Centre; Crossmaglen Community Centre; Newry Lions Club; WIN Business Park, Newry; Social Enterprise Hub, Downpatrick; St Mary's Hall, Newcastle; and Warrenpoint Town Hall.”

Cllr Bailie met with Stephen McClelland (Program Manager, Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency) and other volunteers at the Downpatrick Collection Point on Saturday to offer support.

For further information contact your nearest Solidarity Collection Point.

Ballynahinch Leisure Centre

Daily: 4pm - 5pm

Kilkeel Leisure Centre

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 10pm

Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

Sunday 2pm - 5.30pm

Crossmaglen Community Centre

Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 9am - 3pm

Newry Lions Club

Saturday 12, 19 and 26 September: 10am - 4pm

WIN Business Park, Newry

Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm

Social Enterprise Hub, Downpatrick

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 4pm

St Mary's Hall, Newcastle

Wednesday 9 September: 7pm - 9pm

Thursday 10 September: 9.30am - 1.30pm & 7pm - 9pm

Friday 11 September: 7pm- 9pm

Saturday 12 September: 9.30am - 1.30pm