Ballybofey couple have converted two rooms to store goods for Ukraine appeal

​A Ballybofey couple has converted two rooms in their home in order to store goods they want to forward on to help the crisis-stricken people leaving war-torn Ukraine.

Philomena Friel and Paul Darby​ said they were heartbroken watching thousands fleeing the conflict and queuing up at the borders of Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.

Even today (Monday) despite peace talks, the exodus continued as mainly women and children packed railway and bus stations, flooded streets and highways to get out of their country.

This is the new reality of Ukraine as a massive humanitarian crisis unfolds in Europe, one that experts are estimating to be Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War Two.

​Philomena said she was watching pictures on the television of mothers struggling to care for their babies during their long trek to the border and safety.

“I have worked with the Asthma Society and the Irish Cancer Society in the past so I thought I'd like to do something to help.

“I saw a group on Facebook that ​was looking for coordinators all over Ireland to gather items so I volunteered.”

She added they were only coordinating the effort, it was people who were bringing the material to them that were the real heroes.

“One lady from Milford arrived at my house on Sunday night with 15 bags of stuff and promised there was more to come. I've had other calls from as far away as Buncrana and Sligo too. People just want to do something to help,” she said.

Paul added now was the time to do something.

“People are losing their homes and lives; families are being separated. Essential services, like water and healthcare, are under threat.

“This could drag on for a long time so we are hoping someone in the Twin Towns with empty premises would donate the space to allow us to store as much as possible. We have filled two bedrooms to date but we will need a bigger space if we are to accommodate all the goods we've been promised.

The first deadline for material to be dispatched is this coming Friday,​ ​March 4, and hopefully once a week after that.

If you want to help by donating items you can contact Philomena on (086) 3787144 for further information