From Galway to Grosavia

For the last number of years, two ESB Networks staff in Galway, Colin Maloney and Hugh McTigue, have spent two weeks every year working in a voluntarily capacity with Chernobyl Aid Ireland rebuilding an orphanage in Grosavia, 120km from Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

To date more than 40 bedrooms have been completely renovated. While on their trip last year, they discovered an orphanage that to date had been completely ignored. This orphanage is in Smorgon, approx 150km from Minsk. The orphanage is home to between 200 and 230 children, aged from six to 18 years.

Chernobyl Aid estimated that it would cost €1200 to refurbish each room. This would cover all of the materials required and sourced locally with the labour carried out by the maintenance men at the orphanage.

With this in mind, the staff of ESB Galway along with their colleagues in Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam, Clifden, Loughrea and Gort decided to fundraise for this orphanage in Smorgon with a view to refurbishing a number of rooms.

On Sunday, April 29th, ESB Networks staff from these locations undertook a ten mile sponsored walk through the hills of Connemara. On the day, more than 50 people took to the hills outside Oughterard in County Galway for a trek through one of Ireland's wonderful locations. The trek took the walkers up through the mountains and on through the forest to return to Oughterard in just over two hours. With refreshments along the way and with the help of the Galway Red Cross, all of the walkers returned safely for what looks like becoming an annual event.

The most important part was the collection of funds to assist the work in Smorgon and to that cause the walk raised €11,685, which will cover the refurbishment of nine rooms.

The cheque was presented to Colin and Hugh on behalf of Chernobyl Aid Ireland, Oughterard Branch. This will have a major impact on the lives of all the children in the Orphanage. The staff also collected over 65 large bags of children's toys that the lads took with them to Grosavia three weeks ago.

Many thanks to all involved in this fundraising effort. To all who walked, sponsored and helped in so many ways, your contribution has changed the life of a child for ever.

Míle buíochas do gach duine.

ESB NETWORKS