REFUGEE WELCOME PACKS
Refugees arrived in Ireland in March 2022, mostly women and children. Many arrived with very little possessions and no toiletries or personal hygiene items. Malahide Lions responded by assisting in putting together “Welcome packs” containing personal items for children arriving to the Hotels in the area. These were organised and packed jointly by Lions members with input from Mary Griffin who advised what items were needed.  Fifty packs were handed over initially. The feedback from the families was so positive that this has continued to be an ongoing project. The welcome packs are now directed at family groups that are housed each in a hotel room. Backpacks were kindly donated by the GAA. Many of the items were donated by Mc Cabe’s Pharmacy Malahide as well as Lidl and Aldi, others were purchased by Malahide Lions members from our fundraising. Over 250 people have benefited from these so far.

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Fingal Ukrainian Volunteer Group
This volunteer group is now officially recognised by Fingal Co.Co. as the voluntary organisation co ordinating the response to the Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland. Malahide Lions communicate with David Dunne and Mary Griffin who are part of this group. They contact Malahide Lions as needs arise. Malahide Lions communicate with them when offers of psychological support, teaching English as a foreign language etc. are offered through the Lions website. Malahide Lions also advise on social gatherings taking place in the area that the Ukrainian’s are invited to.

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First Ukrainian born in Ireland:
A presentation was made by President Bernadette Murray and other members of the club to welcome the first Ukrainian baby born in Ireland to Khrystyna Hnytka - a beautiful baby boy called Luckyan. A beautiful “Nappy Cake” was made by a Lions Member and a small gift of money was given to the baby, and a toy to his brother Artem. Such a joyful day was had by all involved.
Click for a larger image.

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Malahide Lions Club Classic &Vintage Car Show
Malahide Lions Club Car show was held on May 22nd this year in the Grand Hotel. There were over 90 classic and vintage cars on display as well as a fire engine and children’s activities. The show was a fantastic success with half of the proceeds going to the Ukrainian refugee fund. Over three thousand people paid through the gates (children were free), and overall it was a fantastic day out for children and adults. Over €7,000 will be used on various Ukrainian projects as result of people’s generosity and sponsorship by Carole Nash Insurance.