Kilrea WI members tell of community aid projects

A tribute was paid to HRH the Prince Philip, following his recent death. A message of sympathy had been sent to the Queen by the Federation Chairman on behalf of all the Women’s Institutes in Northern Ireland.

Three ladies then spoke about aid work within the local community.

WI member Mary Gibson, who is Chair of Moneydig Rural Network, spoke of her involvement in purchasing, packing and distributing boxes of food and hygiene packs to numerous families in the local area.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have provided funding and local businesses have been very generous with donations. Photos of the items and work were shown.

Gillian Millar, who is involved with Maghera Cross Community Link, highlighted that food poverty has been a huge problem particularly over the last year.

Local churches are playing their part in the collection and distribution of coal, food and hygiene parcels each week.

Donations of food or money are vital for this much-needed work to continue.

Teresa Darragh, a Kilrea WI member and Area President for Mid Ulster St Vincent de Paul, highlighted the problems that have arisen during the pandemic.

A Helpline is available for anyone who might need support, and vouchers can be given out to help with food, electricity, and heating.

Financial support is also available for those who have been bereaved.

Members agreed that this voluntary work was very commendable and praised the efforts of the speakers and all the groups involved in this work.

Elizabeth Moon gave a comprehensive vote of thanks.

Members’ lockdown projects were shown on screen.

Mittle McFadden spoke about her recent experience on The One Show as part of a feature on crochet and various items which were on display in Londonderry.

The competition ‘A Royal Souvenir or Commemorative Item’ had dozens of entries.

Members shared details about the items, and everyone agreed it was great to see such a variety.

Ann Laughlin thanked everyone for attending and hoped that members might be able to arrange to meet outdoors over the summer months.