The local Ards Peninsula Councillor spearheaded local efforts to collect clothes, tents, blankets and sleeping bags for refugees. Wanting to do something to help those in most need, Kellie collected bags of items from homes across the Upper Ards Peninsula and arranged to collect items at The Green, Kircubbin.
Councillor Kellie Armstrong said: “I never imagined so many people would jump to action. In an hour we collected enough donated clothes, blankets, tents and sleeping bags to fill five cars.
“All items are being delivered to NI Calais refugee solidarity central collection points for distribution to refugee centres. All items will be delivered to refugees.
“I’d like to thank all who donated items. Your kindness and generosity will make such a difference to refugees, people who arrive with little to nothing. Peninsula people wanted to help and having a place to take donations to was a simple thing to arrange. The response was amazing. Thank you.”
Anyone who has further donations can deliver to the Flagship Centre, Bangor between 10am-3pm, Monday – Friday. Please check the updated website information to see what items are a priority http://nicalaisrefugeesolidarity.weebly.com/about.html
Any churches collecting items are encouraged to contact the county co-ordinator for NI Calais Refugee Solidarity to confirm delivery arrangements.