Here's your chance to start the New Year by doing a good deed for others:

An annual charity appeal led by Donegal woman Myrtle Doherty has kicked off again this January. 

Each year, the Belarusian orphanage appeal gathers a large stock of essential items, kindly donated by the people of Donegal to help children and adults in need.

Ramelton couple Myrtle and Alan Doherty put in great time and effort to coordinate the collections and arrange a pick-up lorry from Donegal at the end of the month.

Image result for myrtle doherty donegal belarus

The 2020 appeal will have the same changes as last year – as they will be only taking donations of medical and hygiene items – nappies (adult & children’s nappies), wipes, toiletries, medicines (Calpol/Nurofen/paracetamol/ibuprofen), medical equipment (crutches, walking aids and wheelchairs). Donations to buy nappies will also be accepted with thanks.

The orphanage appeal is carried out in conjunction with the Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group – the official Kilkenny Branch of Chernobyl Children International founded by Adi Roche in 1991.

All goods collected are sent to Belarus to benefit adults and children in areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Kilkenny to Belarus route taken by the lorries

Last year’s collection saw over 125,000 nappies, dozens of boxes of toiletries, medicines and wipes, crutches, wheelchairs, walking aids, zimmer frames and 1,500 bags of clothes being loaded into a lorry for the Vesnova children’s orphanage in Belarus. Almost 200 children with intellectual and physical disabilities live in the asylum, which has been transformed by Irish charity Chernobyl Children International to provide a caring home for many children.

All support and help is greatly appreciated, Mrytle said at the launch of the 2020 appeal.

Collections will begin from 2nd January until 31st January. To arrange a donation, please contact Myrtle on 0876825387