Mayo man takes part in humanitarian aid coach efforts

Noel Quinn, Ross, Castlebar, has taken part in a major volunteering effort as a member of the Rose of Tralee International Festival which partnered with Adi Roche's Chernobyl Children International and the Happy Kids Foundation.

They gathered donations for a humanitarian aid coach delivered to safe houses in Poland that provide care for evacuees from Ukraine.

He extends thanks to those who donated to the cause.

Noel has penned the following piece, 'Be Thankful Having to Imagine', about the experience.

Imagine a world where your home is longer the safe haven it once was.

Just imagine being a child forced from your country because of war, moving from place to place, nowhere to call your own, not knowing when or if you will return home to your safe place.

Imagine, you want to take part in a peaceful protest but only one parent goes because you know that although it is peaceful, the forces that be will arrest.

Maybe not on the day, that week or month but they will.

Imagine after having to flee your country to provide a brighter future for your family, you learn that family and friends behind, receiving support from the outside are punished.

This is a stark reality for many and is not so readily spoken of out of fear.

A harsh reality brought into focus during a humanitarian aid trip to the Polish city of Lodz in February.

I have had privilege of volunteering as a member of the Rose of Tralee International festival, partnered with Adi Roche's Chernobyl Children International and the Happy Kids foundation.

We volunteered and delivered a humanitarian aid coach to those in need, vulnerable children and their carers.

The overwhelming generosity from the people of Ireland was received whole heartedly, and being able to hand deliver aid to its intended destination was a great feeling.

Over the course of the days that followed, the group of charity workers, co-ordinators, translators and members of the Rose of Tralee divided into groups volunteering in three safe houses.

These safe houses cater for a wide range of ages from infants to young adults, providing an environment to rehabilitate, grow and become independent members of society.

There is an Irish phrase that comes to mind as I recall my time on this trip especially volunteering the safe houses, that is; Tar éis a fheictear gach beart, which translates; it is afterwards the events are understood. I hope from reading this you will see why.

Keenly aware that we, a group of unfamiliar faces were going into the environment of children that had been through so much, caused, at least on my part, some apprehension.

Concern that it may overwhelm. However, this unease was soon put to rest.

We were so warmly received, perhaps it was the toys or arts and crafts we brought that helped.

But I am truly amazed by the resilience these children have shown .

As things settled I could witness the children going through the motions of their new norm; online schooling in their native tongue, shared meal times when the food arrived, all gathering around to help.

Sounds ideal, right? Then you are reminded of the turbulence they have endured. An outburst of emotion, rocking or just silently withdrawing; processing, alleviating pent up emotions.

As our time there was drawing to a close, we arranged a party. The typical party foods, music, balloons and a talent show.

The talents shown were incredible, dancing, singing and reciting. One moment stands out in particular, a young girl reciting a poem in Ukrainian. A poem yearning for home, an end to war and return of peace.

Yes, these children and their carers have been away from the war in a physical sense for two years, they have been through rehabilitation but this is something that is now part of them, their experience.

I want to take this opportunity to thank those who donated so generously from local businesses to individuals. Your support came in all forms and is very greatly appreciated.

I'll leave you with a final thought. When we hear something that seems surreal or beyond our belief we often say imagine.

Well, that's exactly what we should do. Imagine yourself in their shoes. Lend that helping hand how and when you can and be thankful that you have to imagine because for them it is the harsh reality.

Be thankful for what you have!