Diocesan News07 Sep 15

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Receiving Donations to Help the Refugee Crisis

As the human cost of the refugee crisis continues to escalate, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has launched an appeal for donations of clothing and other items urgently required at refugee camps across Europe.

The Cathedral has also opened a solidarity space where visitors and those living in the community can drop in leave a message of solidarity, light a candle and make a donation that will go directly to agencies working to alleviate the suffering of those fleeing conflict.

‘Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has always been an open place for those fleeing conflict and persecution,’ explained Dr Eimhin Walsh, Civic Engagement and Outreach Officer at the Cathedral. ‘In the 17th century the Huguenots fleeing France were welcomed here and more recently in 2006 a group of asylum seekers sought refuge in the building. We are trying now to provide a space for people, moved by the scale of the tragedy, to make some small response and gesture of solidarity.’

The Cathedral collection point will remain open for donations until 17.30 on Monday 7 September, until 20.00 on Tuesday 8 September and will be open from 9.30–17.30 from Wednesday 9 September onwards. People or parishes wishing to make donations are asked to be mindful of the items that are required.

Urgent need

– Men’s trainers (size 7–9)
– Men’s hiking boots (size 7–9)
– Men’s wellies (size 7–9)
– Tents
– Men’s jackets (small and medium size)
– Travelling bags
– Men’s socks
– Candles
– Belts
– Men’s tracksuit trousers
– Blankets
– Men’s jeans (sized 28–32)
– Smartphones (with SIM)
– Sleeping bags
– Soap
– Shampoo
– Toothbrushes
– Plastic bags
– Wooly bags
– Men’s underwear
– Pots
– Pans

Less urgent

– Women’s clothes & shoes
– Children’s clothes & shoes
– Jumpers & sweaters
– Nappies & baby wipes
– Tampons & other feminine hygiene products

Not needed

– Sheets
– Pillows
– Suits
– Formal shoes

Donations of money can also be made by cash or credit card at the Cathedral’s Welcome Desk.

For further information please contact Eimhin Walsh at 01 453 9472 or [email protected]