Lifeline services receive vital ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ support
FUNDING €120K awarded to help support Ukrainians in Cavan
Three Cavan groups are to share in the €5.2 million awarded in grants from The Ireland for Ukraine Fund announced today. The vital funding will help meet the needs of those seeking safety in Ireland as well as men, women and children living in Ukraine in the shadow of the war.
Local communities rallying together to welcome people fleeing from Ukraine, specialised trauma services, care for children torn apart from their parents as well as general wellbeing and access to work services are receiving support from the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ Fund.
Started by Irish media organisations - including The Anglo-Celt - in response to the humanitarian crisis the fund has rallied support from local clubs, schools and communities, along with significant support from Government. The awareness generated by the campaign has provided a total of €7 Million in support both in direct donations and from donors to The Community Foundation for Ireland. The Fund is supported by a €5 million donation from Government provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Community Foundation for Ireland, which is managing the fund on behalf of the media partners and Government, is announcing the support which is being split between the need for a humanitarian response here at home as well as international agencies UNICEF, The Irish Red Cross, Concern and Trócaire.
Across Ireland over 100 projects are receiving grants with a focus on those requiring specialised supports such as trauma care as well as day to day services. Self-advocacy and story-telling projects will give Ukrainians in Ireland a voice to keep the focus on the families which are at the very centre of the crisis.
The grants awarded here at home range from €5,000 to local groups set up to welcome people fleeing for their lives into Irish communities through to €100,000 to networks of charities and organisations who are uniting to deliver a more effective response.
Cavan County Local Development has received the maximum grant of €100,000. The money will be used to increase the supports for the Ukrainian Community including a well-being programme, after school programme, a Ukrainian school, intensive one to one supports including counselling, employment supports, community awareness and local integration events.
Teach Oscail Family Resource Centre meanwhile have received €15,000 in funding to provide childcare assistance for Ukraine families by funding two part-time childcare workers.
Finally, a sum of €5,000 is going to Focus Family Resource Centre CLG to support the new Ukraine families with their needs and provide activities to help integrate them into the Cavan community.
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD said: “We have seen the outpouring of support in communities across the country, assisted by the vital roles played by community and voluntary organisations. The contribution of €5m by Government to this Fund will enable those most in need to be assisted by the NGOs involved, and provide meaningful and essential supports to our communities to welcome and help the people coming from Ukraine.
“The grants provided to the projects will support continued engagement with the Ukrainian community through a range of initiatives, supports and interventions including outreach and focusing on building the capacity of Local Community Groups.
These groups are meeting immediate humanitarian needs, providing transport, translation services, provision of English language supports and drop-in services – all vital elements of community integration”.
Announcing the funding Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said:
“Generosity, humanity and compassion are at the very centre of the response of the Irish people to this crisis. Ireland for Ukraine struck a chord which has seen donations from children selling cakes, bridge evenings, athletics clubs, swims, musical evenings and so much more.
From harp-playing on Inish Oirr to an ‘Ireland for Ukraine Concert’ at the National Concert Hall, from local junior GAA matches to the All-Ireland Finals, from pocket money sent in the post to the support of Government – ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ has motivated and reflected an incredible national response.
The awareness-raising through our media partners helped people see that the need is great not just on the ground but also much closer to home. This fund gives reassurance that every donation is being used to address both.”