Quigley’s Point volunteer joins aid mission for Ukrainian orphans

Bernard McConway (29) from Quigley’s Point is preparing to travel to Poland this February as part of a humanitarian aid mission supporting Ukrainian children affected by the Russian invasion.

Bernard’s involvement came about following his role as a Rose Escort at the 2025 Rose of Tralee Festival. The festival has a long-standing partnership with Chernobyl Children International (CCI), a charity known for its work with children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Each year, volunteers are sought to assist with humanitarian trips, and Bernard felt it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“I’ve done fundraising and charity work before, but this allows me the opportunity to see first-hand the work that charities do and to experience why it is all so necessary and beneficial,” he said. “It’s something completely new for me, but I like a challenge and trying new experiences.”

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, CCI has had to adapt how it provides support. Many children have been left without parents or family, and travel into Ukraine is no longer possible. As a result, CCI has partnered with the Happy Kids Foundation, a non-governmental organisation in Poland that operates safe houses and orphanages for Ukrainian orphans aged between six and 18.

The Happy Kids Foundation relies heavily on donated aid and volunteers. Bernard will travel as part of a five-day trip from February 19th to February 23rd to help deliver aid collected locally and to spend time with the children.

During the trip, volunteers will assist with distributing aid, learning about the work of the orphanages, and interacting with the children through games and activities. Bernard explained that simply spending time with the children can have a huge impact.

“They enjoy seeing new faces, and it gives them a break from their normal routine. It helps them feel special,” he said. “On the final day, there’s a party, which the kids really look forward to. There’ll be sweets, games, talent shows, and prizes; it should be very enjoyable for everyone involved.”

Bernard highlighted that the greatest needs facing the orphanages are continued donations and volunteer support. While he hasn’t heard individual stories, he says each child has been affected differently.

“Some children are very happy, while others need extra attention to help bring them out of their shells and help them adapt to lifestyle changes.”

The Inishowen community can support the mission by donating aid items such as clothes, toys, food, sweets, and sanitary products. Items can be new or good-quality second-hand, though English-language books or games are not suitable, as most children have little or no English.

Financial contributions can also be made through Bernard’s iDonate page at Bernard McConway Rose Escort Fundraising Page.

Funds raised will first cover the cost of transporting aid to Poland, with remaining funds going to Chernobyl Children International to support their ongoing work.

Drop-off points for aid have been kindly facilitated by Inishowen Co-op, with collection available at their Buncrana, Carndonagh, and Moville branches.

Bernard plans to share updates and photos from the trip on social media via his Instagram page, Experience Inishowen.

Reflecting on the upcoming journey, Bernard, who previously scaled 100 Inishowen peaks to raise money for  Lough Swilly RNLI, Insight Inishowen, and Donegal Mountain Rescue, said,

“This trip will be a new experience, something very different from what I've done before. It might make me have a deeper realisation of how unfortunate some people in the world are. It's nice to be able to give back, and if it brightens up the kids' day, then it will surely be worth it.”

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He concluded by thanking everyone who has supported the appeal so far and encouraged others to get involved if they can.

“We have so much we take for granted, and at times quite a lot of luxuries in our lives. It would make a big difference to these kids' lives if we could give an item or two to help them out.”