15-strong team off to Chernobyl
VOLUNTEERS WILL REFURBISH GYM
Volunteers leading the lorry which will carry supplies to Chernobyl.
A group of Arklow-based volunteers will make the long journey to Belarus in the coming weeks to carry out building and renovation work to aid the help improve the lives of those affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
Some of the 15-member team gathered in Arklow this week to commence loading the lorry which will bring supplies to Grosov School, an orphanage near Minsk.
Michael Molloy of Topaz, which is sponsoring the fuel to send the lorry over, Laurence O'Neill of Leon Recycling and Andrew Bolger helped to load the lorry at Croghan Industrial Estate.
Along with other local residents Geraldine Kelly, Helen Byrne and Noeleen Brauders they will set off on their journey on September 10 for seven days.
During the visit they will assist in refurbishing the gym so that the 160 children can keep fit and healthy during the winter when their football pitch and ball court are unable to be used.
They will also complete walkways and footpaths, maintenance and painting and help to prepare the premises for the cold winter when temperatures drop to as low as -40 degrees.
Every year volunteers leave Ireland in May and September to lend their assistance to Chernobyl Aid Ireland's projects.
At Christmas and summer holidays host families welcome some of the children to their homes in Ireland for respite and time out from their difficult situations.
To date a large quantity of work has been completed to help make their lives easier including the refurbishment of three wings of the school, kitting out of a domestic science room, language room, henhouse project and the hiring of two full time nurses.
- DEBORAH COLEMAN
