Galbally man Brother Liam O’Meara, is leading the fight to help hundreds of children suffering inside Covid-19 ravaged orphanages.
Brother Liam is originally from Co Limerick but now is based in County Clare where he founded the Burren Chernobyl Project.
He has made a desperate plea for funds to help the children’s institutions and hospitals his group is supporting in Belarus.
The charity said that the situation inside the facilities is grave as the contagious virus rips through the population of vulnerable children.
The Brother insisted his group will continue their support of the children during the global pandemic. The group sent personal protective equipment which was part of the shipment sent to the Chernobyl region in January.
But they are now in need of desperate financial help from the public to continue their work and have set up a iDonate page to gather funds.
“We have a back up of money so using that at the minute. Go on iDonate and spread the word to their contacts on Facebook and other social media posts so that we can find people to help us,” he said.
“Despite best efforts our worst fears have become a reality. Multiple cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in two of the institutions we support with immunocompromised children, elderly adults and many staff members battling this horrid virus.
“Cherven is home to 280 children and young people with physical and intellectual disabilities and Kyl is home to 500 people, the vast majority are elderly and disabled. The situation is critical. Brave staff are fighting for the most vulnerable people in society in desperate conditions.
“Many are now working a full 2 week shift to avoid cross contamination with other shifts. This is exhausting and dangerous work in buildings that don’t allow for social distancing.”
The children and staff in Cherven need urgent supplies of PPE, basic medical essentials like thermometers, sanitation equipment to be given ‘the best fighting chance’.
“All monies raised will go directly towards this essential equipment needed in these affected institutions.
“The outpour of support and love these past few days has been overwhelming but we still need to keep pushing, for all of them, the staff, and the vulnerable children and elderly adults. Thank you one and all.”
For details on how you can contribute go to the group’s Facebook page under the title the Burren Chernobyl Project.
