A remote school in war-torn Ukraine has been kept open thanks to the donation of a generator from a Cork-based charity.
Charity chief Fiona Corcoran used her extensive knowledge of Ukraine to supply generators, ultrasound equipment, winter clothing, blankets, tents and vital medical supplies.
One year on from the outbreak of war, Greater Chernobyl Cause finances various humanitarian hubs in Ukrainian towns including Kharkiv, now dubbed the 'city of no windows' due to constant shelling.
With a huge reliance on logs to try to heat homes and ovens, Fiona Corcoran, who runs the charity says the greatest need is for generators.
Ms Corcoran, who in 2011 received the Order of Princess Olga, the highest Ukrainian civil decoration for achievement, says the charity has supplied over 15 generators to remote villages.
"Much to the excitement of the children in the remote village of Novyi Merchyk, the Greater Chernobyl Cause has just handed one over to the local school where classes had to be abandoned," she said.
"The building will now be able to double as the community bomb shelter and hub 24 hours a day."
Head Teacher Nadiya Karetska, full of praise for the people of Ireland whose financial support for the charity has been transforming lives, called the help "unbelieveable".
"You’ve no idea the difference such a gift will bring not just to the children but to all our lives," she said.
The Greater Chernobyl Cause regularly sends 45ft containers of equipment which is shared in the various cities by charity partners.
Ms Corcoran says the charity is also spearheading support for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland.
"We meet refugees at the airport and bring them to hubs such as City West, assisting with the registration process," said Ms Corcoran.
"We work at finding homes and apartments for as many as we can, this at a time when housing is extremely difficult to come by."
The charity is also managing to source secondary accommodation to try to keep families and relatives close together and volunteers carry out regular visits ensuring that all necessary help is provided such as the purchase of fridges, cycles, prams and baby equipment with visits to local schools to check that the children are settling in.
Direct access is also arranged with the various authorities, including help with registration to professional bodies which increases the opportunity to find suitable employment.
"It is a truly horrific and devastating situation," she says. "I feel so overwhelmed. It is hard to find words but we must never give up, rather pray that we are given the will and the strength to carry on with the same resilience and courage shown by the Ukrainian people and which has won the admiration of the entire Irish nation."
Donations can be made to Greater Chernobyl Cause Unit 2 Southside Industrial Estate Pouladuff Road, Cork or online
