A Syrian woman who runs a soap and skincare business has pledged to donate all proceeds from sales of a new soap in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
Reham Ghafarji, whose business is in Clonakilty, Co Cork, said she felt a responsibility to do something for Ukrainians escaping their war-ravaged country, having gone through a similar experience when she fled Syria in 2017.
"Every March I usually make an 'Irish flag soap' for St Patrick's Day," she explained. "But this year, because of the war in Ukraine, I have also made a Ukrainian flag soap.
"I know what war means. I know how Ukrainian people feel when they have to leave their houses and their memories. I just felt a responsibility to do something to help."
Reham studied English literature at university in Damascus and worked as a beautician in her home country.
She arrived in Ireland in August 2017, under family reunification.
She founded her 'Soap & More' business in 2020 after losing her job in a beauty salon during the pandemic.
The mother-of-two has been donating 15% of her proceeds to the homeless to 'say thanks' to Ireland for giving her family a new home.
"I have had huge support from Irish people. I have learned that we are better when we are together," she said.
