THE Austin Stacks clubhouse was a hive of activity on Tuesday night as it hosted a party for children from Belarus as part of their annual holiday, thanks to the Chernobyl Children’s Fund.
This year was made even more special by the arrival of Alina Moza, whose mother Natillia was one of the first children to visit the town in 1994. Natillia is now 31, married and working as an accountant.
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Bridie Courtney of the Chernobyl Children’s Fund in the Austin Stacks clubhouse with some of the children who flew in from Belarus this week, from left: Valeteina Marosha, Alina Moza (daughter of Natillia Moza who came 20 years ago), Anstasia Ivashkeich, Diana Marosakao, Sabrina Biryna.
“It has come full circle, so it goes to show the holiday for them here definitely does help them for in the future,” said Bridie Courtney from the Chernobyl Children’s Fund.
Natillia stayed in Killarney and there are plans to meet up again with her host family from all those years ago.
“I got a beautiful letter from Natillia, telling us of her experience when she came 20 years ago and thanking me for bringing Alina into my home,” said Bridie who is in her fourth year of hosting children.
There are 17 Belarussian children visiting this year.
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The visiting children from Belarus along with their host families at the Chernobyl Children’s Fund night in Austin Stacks clubhouse.
“At the moment I have two girls. It’s very sad when they leave, but we keep in touch during the year. The trip gives the children a sense of positivity which is severely lacking in Belarus due to the disaster,” added Bridie.
This year is special also for one of the interpreters, Liliya Bandskaya, who has been coming since 1994.
“The children enjoy each day here. Their host families are so nice, so generous, the children love their host families so much,” said Liliya.
“In time they remember more and more details, now the second generation are coming, but the first generation still stay in touch with the families,” she added.
“We have a lot of children being born with health issues, the trip helps their breathing and health long-term. They enjoy it so much and each of them would want to come again, but unfortunately that’s not possible,” Liliya said.
The Chernobyl Children’s Fund are always open for more families to join. Breda Costello is in her first year of hosting children.
“We were so excited about this. I have two lovely boys from Belarus and I’m really, really enjoying it. They are two beautiful kids that appreciate everything we do. They are very lovable and I hope to continue this for many more years,” said Breda.
The cost of bring the children over is €11,000 and the charity is run voluntarily. The main chunk of the funding for the trips comes from a dance night which is held in the Earl of Desmond.
The charity also raises funds by doing bag packs as well as pop-up shops and church gate collections.
• For more information on the charity or if you want to get involved call Bridie Courtney on 087-9298558.
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At the Chernobyl Children’s Fund night in Austin Stacks clubhouse were, from left front row: Anstasia Ivashkeich, Anlina Hoza, Valeteina Marosha, Anna Yakeubovich, back row: Yana Zubko, Aryna Kremenevskaya and Tatiana Katsuba (Interpreter)
At the Chernobyl Children’s Fund night in Austin Stacks clubhouse were Alexai Gurbonobich and Yaahor Hunstsimovich.
