The Rotary Club of Wexford is thrilled to share the success of a significant initiative that provided support for the Irish Defence Forces stationed in Lebanon.
The project was lead by Christine Doyle and Lucy Nevins, two of our newest members, the club orchestrated a substantial donation drive. This collective effort successfully gathered vital supplies to assist the peacekeeping missions under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
On May 28th, these essential resources were formally handed over to Private Fergal Doran of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny, at Barntown. We extend our gratitude to Wexford Boxed storage for providing the space necessary for this operation, and to our community and corporate partners whose generosity made this possible, including Kersia’s notable contribution of 640,000 water purification tablets.
Christine Doyle expressed immense pride in our club’s role: “Facilitating this substantial donation has been a tremendous honour, and the support from our community and partners was crucial for the success of this campaign.” Lucy Nevins echoed this sentiment, remarking on the inspiring generosity and engagement from all stakeholders: “Being part of such a meaningful project has been an incredibly humbling experience as a new member.”
The drive also received significant financial backing from Dunnes Stores, Rosebush Properties, Kerwin Investments, and Trinity Hire. Special thanks to Mark Brazzill and Richard Doyle from Trinity Hire for storage and logistical support. Richard’s wife, Commandante Charlene Kehoe, currently stationed in South Lebanon, helped bring this project to the forefront, with assistance from Assistant Governor Calodagh McCumiskey.
Captain Martin Cuddihy said, The 124 INF BN are truly thankful for the kind and generous support that Rotary Ireland have provided throughout our current deployment with UNIFIL to Southern Lebanon. We are grateful for all the hard work, commitment and tireless efforts that Christine and Lucy, of the Wexford branch, have provided in order for this generous donation to be received by the Defence Forces. This donation, along with many others from Rotary Ireland, will be shipped out to our area of responsibility to be shared with the people of Lebanon in the communities that are in dire need of our support and assistance throughout this particular time. It is heartwarming to see the kind nature and generous support from back home, and hopefully we will all see the fruits of their efforts provide a difference to the people of Lebanon.
Contributions came from various groups within our community, including the Loreto Interact Club, Polio Survivors Ireland, St. John Volunteers Gaelic for Mothers and Others Club, among many generous Rotarians and local people.
Natasha Hughes, President of the Rotary Club of Wexford, praised the collaborative spirit that defined this successful initiative.
The donated supplies, including first aid kits, non-perishable foods, children’s clothing, personal hygiene products, and toys, are set to enhance the Irish peacekeepers’ Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC) efforts.
This campaign stands as a testament to our club’s dedication to promoting sustainable peace and community resilience in South Lebanon. We are profoundly thankful to everyone who participated and contributed to this cause.
