It’s been a busy time for Candle of Grace in 2021.
Same as last year we could not host our little friends from the Chernobyl area. But we worked hard all year long to let them know: They are not forgotten. Over 10 tonnes of aid was sent to different parts of Belarus and Ukraine. Thanks to our volunteers and kind people of Ireland some kids got a pair of new shoes, some a wheelchair, some medicines, nappies, etc.
Every few months we kept sending parcels, sponsoring dinners, donating funds for purchasing so much needed vitamins, censoring toys, etc. There were no fundraising events, except the Art competition, Green house draw and online Quiz. During the Summer camp, which took place in July, children of Mayo volunteered and gathered so much of aid, that a decision was made to send a truck to those who in need. A truck full of clothes, shoes, medical supplies , wheelchairs, nappies , bicycles, toothbrushes and other aid, winged it’s way to Belarus, to the disabled kids, families living on a very low income, orphans.
The aid came from all over Mayo and all over the country and amazing work was done by all our volunteers on the ground to gather, pack and get the truck on the road. Aid arrived in Belarus in November and there was great excitement and gratitude from the local people and communities on receiving this consignment of aid and essential supplies.
Over 700 Christmas shoeboxes were packed this Christmas season, with presents for the orphanages and needy of Ukraine. Many local schools around Castlebar stepped up to the appeal, including Primary and Post Primary schools, where pupils helped wrap and pack all these shoeboxes filled with gifts and love. Local Foróige clubs also took part including Islandeady, Castlebar and Ballinrobe. Volunteers did so much and pulled together using teamwork to amass a large haul of goodies for over 700 children in the Chernobyl/Ukrainian region.
Local people also donated funds and boxes of biscuits and tea for the orphanages which is always such a welcome gift for the children there. They love a digestive biscuit with a cup of tea – such a treat for them! Disabled children in Belarus will also be receiving boxes of biscuits from the charity. An amazing amount of work was done by all to create this wonderful haul of gifts, goodies and aid for our little friends over the seas. We cannot thank our volunteers enough, both near and far. God bless all the youth of the local Primary and Post Primary schools. ‘Children helping children’ is such a wonderful joy to behold!
It has been a productive year of charity and giving for the Candle of Grace charity, despite all the Covid restrictions and setbacks.
The Directors of Candle of Grace would like to wish our volunteers and everyone who follows us, a Blessed Christmas with your families and loved ones.
God Bless you all & thank you for your support!
