THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, is launching a special door to door collection in aid of the refugee crisis.
It is part of a district-wide campaign to provide aid for desperate families seeking asylum in Europe.
Volunteers are now being sought to assist with the collection of much needed funds across Derry and Strabane while the situation continues to affect thousands of people fleeing war torn countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
The collection will take place during the week November 23 – 29, and anyone who has a few hours to spare to assist in the campaign is asked to register their support.
Speaking ahead of the launch Mayor McCallion urged people to offer whatever help they can.
“I would really encourage as many people as possible to dedicate even a short amount of time to assisting with the collection of much needed funds which can be channelled into aid.
“All money collected will go towards Trócaire who have been doing some invaluable work in bringing resources to the camps and areas where it’s needed most across the world.
“So far the charity has reached almost 160,000 refugees since they began offering aid in 2011.
“By using their established channels and experience in delivering effective relief we can best target what is collected and ensure it has the maximum impact.
“I would urge people from all areas in Derry and Strabane to please show their support now by registering online.”
The door to door collection is just the latest step in a local multi-agency campaign to offer support to the refugees.
A special organisation called the Derry Strabane Civic Action for Refugees Group made up of church leaders, elected representatives, community leaders, charity organisations, business community reps, minority groups, Council officers and citizens has been formed to agree a collective local response to the refugee crisis.
So far thousands of pounds have been collected and several lorry loads of aid items have been gathered and dispatched to camps such as those located at Calais and Berlin.
To register for the Mayor’s Refugee collection go to www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Mayor/Mayor-s-Initiatives
