Support sought for refugees

Ballymena people are being urged to show solidarity with refugees caught up in the humanitarian crisis in Europe at a special event in the town.

Being organised by #HumanRights4Refugees, the ‘Worldwide Show of Solidarity’ event will take place at the town centre bandstand on Saturday, May 14, from 2-3pm.

Those who attend will first hear a few words spoken about the ongoing crisis by people who have worked at refugee camps in France and Greece before walking along the footpath to Wellington Court where they will be reminded of the conditions and adversity refugees face on a daily basis.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is urging local people to show their solidarity by taking part.

Aidan Crawford, Regional President of SVP, said: “I and other volunteers have travelled to France and Greece on behalf of the Society of St Vincent de Paul to help distribute the aid donated by the ever-generous Northern Ireland public. The scenes that we have witnessed would quite literally break your heart. I would encourage as many as possible to show their support by taking an hour out of their day on Saturday 14 May.”

The organisers have requested that all those taking part wear the t-shirt that has been designed especially for the event. This can be obtained on the day for a minimum donation of £5 or from the SVP shop, Vincents, 11 Cushendall Road, Ballymena. All proceeds raised from the sale of t-shirts will go towards the refugee appeal.