12th March 2022
Initially the company ‘24 Hour Construction Services’ provided the groups with their warehouse but in the first day following their call-out on social media, the resulting response from both the Cork and Polish community in Cork was huge and far beyond the capacity of the warehouse, which prompted Cork City Council to step in with assistance.
Maja Skowron, secretary of MyCork Polish Association and Chief Scout for the Polish Scouts in Ireland explained: “Poland and Ukraine share a border. A lot of Polish people who live in Cork have strong family ties, friendships, and emotional connection with Ukraine. Thus, when the news about war reached us, we immediately knew we wanted to help. The first post went up on Monday 28th February and by the end of the day we realised the response from both Polish and Irish communities was much bigger than expected and we would need to find a bigger warehouse space. We work closely with Cork City Council Community Section so we asked them for help and of course that plea was heard”
Lila Maciejewska, the Chairperson of MyCork, added, “We have had a wave generosity from across Cork City and County, from people and businesses, in Cobh, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Millstreet, Rathcormack, and of course Cork City, but a special mention has to go to ‘Mercury Cash and Carry’ for providing the transport of goods to Ukraine, and of course the huge volunteer effort from PSA Cork, MyCork and even just individuals who offered a lot of time and energy to sort, pack and load all these collected items.” She went on to say “The biggest "thank you" goes to the Cork City Council for the warehouse because without their support this initiative would not have been possible on such a scale.”
David Joyce Director of Services for Operations, Cork City Council commended all involved in the humanitarian relief effort: “When we were approached by MyCork it was easy to say yes and help in what ever way we could in this important relief effort. Support to community groups and to the Polish and Ukrainian people in Cork City is an important part of Cork City Councils’ ethos of being an inclusive city engaging with its many communities and I wish to commend the huge effort by these groups and the Cork City Council Roads and Operations staff who helped in this amazing achievement of sending lifesaving support to the people of Ukraine.”
