The relief effort is the culmination of work from the local group ‘Fermanagh Refugee Solidarity Action’, started on Facebook on September 4. 

 

From the creation of this group the people of the county have responded in their droves to provide supplies for refugees in need, providing everything from first aid supplies, to tents and nit combs.

 

Roisin McAnulty started the group back at the start of September and is delighted that the supplies will be put to good use. It has been a long road for Roisin and her merry band of volunteers, but on Saturday afternoon a lorry from Nolan’s Transport, County Wexford collected the Fermanagh convoy to transport it to those in need.

 

With the first part of the journey to Cork now over, the lorry of supplies will set sale for Calais tomorrow (October 1). 

Roisin said, “The response has been unbelievable. It has been such a heart-warming experience to be involved and to witness the kindness and generosity of the Fermanagh people, to help those worse off. It is incomprehensible what is happening to these people, although we have had our own troubles we just cannot believe what is happening. The refugees have faced blanket bombs of up to 60 a day and they have been treated like animals. It is heart wrenching.”

 

A large amount of supplies came from across the county to Fermanagh Refugee Solidarity Action within hours of it first opening up. Within three days 15 drop off points had been located. 

 

On Saturday a group of sixth form students from Portora joined the efforts of loading supplies onto the lorry. 

However Roisin is determined the effort to help refugees won’t stop, “We had such a big response that we had some items donated which unfortunately wouldn’t suit this convey. We are now looking at setting up a pop-up shop to sell all of the left over items, with the donations going to charities helping refugees.”

 

It is hoped the pop-up shop will be opened by the end of October for more information visit the Fermanagh Refugee Solidarity Action Facebook page.