'Calves for Ukraine' raised €31,800
A cheque for €31,800 handed over in Kilcullen this morning to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal was described as an extraordinarily generous result of a 'Calves for Ukraine' initiative, writes Brian Byrne.
The fundraiser was organised by Kildare West Wicklow IFA and hosted by Leinster Marts Kilcullen in April of this year.
On the day, some 66 calves donated by farmers in the area were auctioned, with the entire proceeds going to the fund.
Of the total raised, €17,800 came in from donations to the fund subsequent to the calf sale.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Irish Red Cross, Corporate Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager Frank Phelan said the groundswell of support that the organisers had achieved was 'incredible'. "The farmers have really showed up for the campaign," he said.
Ger Smith of Leinster Marts recalled that the atmosphere at the mart on the day had been 'absolutely amazing', while Thomas O'Connor, Chairman Kildare West Wicklow IFA, noted that buyers of the calves had paid way more than the market price. "In some cases the calves went through two or three times, with buyers putting them back in for sale," he said. "The generosity of farmers will never let you down."
Co-organiser Eugene Lawler said he had been very surprised at the level of support, and that if they had achieved only €10,000 he would have been very happy.
About €35 million has been raised nationally for the Irish Red Cross appeal, of which about €12 million has gone directly to Ukraine and Red Cross operations in neighbouring countries, and just under €5 million has been set aside for dealing with the migration of Ukrainians coming to Ireland. The balance is earmarked for work in rebuilding and restoring livelihoods in Ukraine.
Frank Phelan also commented on the knock-on effects of the invasion of Ukraine, which will include famine and hardship in other parts of the world that will mean further issues needing attention for a long time.
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