The Ukrainian community in Letterkenny came together to organise a charity craft fair at Easter raise funds for two beneficiaries: WeCare Food Bank in Letterkenny and Ukrainian military hospitals, with the support of Donegal Local Development Company.
The event, held at the Letterkenny Community Centre on Sunday, 2nd of April, was a huge success, raising €3,400 in total.
The craft fair featured a variety of handmade items, including traditional Ukrainian crafts such as pysanky (decorated eggs), woven baskets, and embroidered textiles. Visitors to the fair could also sample Ukrainian cuisine, including traditional pies and cakes, which proved very popular on the day.
Oksana Krysynska, Community Links Officer, DLDC with Moira Sweeney and Hughie Sweeney of the WeCare Food Bank
“We are thrilled with the success of the craft fair,” said Joleen Kuyper Machado, New Communities Manager, Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC). “It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support our community and to help those in need.”
Half of the proceeds from the craft fair, €1,700, was donated by cheque to the WeCare Food Bank, Letterkenny on Friday, the 28th of April, which provides food assistance to families and individuals in the local area who are struggling to make ends meet. The food bank relies on donations from the community to support its work.
The other half of the proceeds, €1,700, will be donated to Ukrainian military hospitals, which provide medical care to soldiers who have been wounded or injured in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These hospitals are run by the Ukrainian government and rely on donations from the public to provide essential medical equipment and supplies.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ukrainian community for their generous donation,” said Moira Sweeney, a volunteer and secretary of We Care Food Bank Letterkenny.
“Their support will help us provide much-needed food assistance to those who are struggling in our community.”
This event was supported by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) which is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
For more information about food banks in Donegal, or to make a donation, visit www.donegafoodresponse.ie.
