A family determined to make a difference in the Ukraine war has helped bring 18 people to safety out of the war-torn country. Jade Dunne, and her father David first acted to help Jade's stepsister and nephew flee the fighting.
But after they were struck by what people were going through, the pair stepped up their actions. Since then the Dublin duo has helped six families reach sanctuary, reports Dublin Live.
Jade said: "My aim last week was Kristina and Artem and then obviously we couldn’t stop there because we saw what they had been through. What we’re trying to do is get as many people to Ireland as we can. We want to help others as well."
Two million people have fled Ukraine since the violence began almost two weeks ago, says the United Nations (UN), calling it the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. Thousands of those who have fled the country have made their way into neighbouring countries, and even the UK, seeking asylum.
However, many of these desperate refugees have only the belongings that they have been able to carry, and depending on which country they flee to, nowhere to live for the foreseeable future. This is why many people across Europe have decided to open up their homes to refugees, including Jane and David.
The Dublin based father-daughter duo started working to help other Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war after first helping her stepsister, Kristina, and eight-year-old nephew, Artem last week.
Jade has previously spoken about how expensive Ryanair flights were. In her opinion, it was making it impossible for people to come to Ireland. She said the families who arrived this week had to make an extra 18-hour long journey to get to Belgium first, because the tickets from Poland were too pricey.
She said: "The people that arrived last night witnessed a lot more than what the others witnessed because they left a little bit later. The little girls who're staying with me had to step over bodies. It was horrific.
"The youngest girl is only five years old. They’re quite traumatised. The girls and their parents arrived with just a schoolbag between four people."
She added: "Last night they were so happy because they were in a peaceful environment. Where I live it’s kind of like the countryside but it’s in Dublin. Even their mam was crying in my house because it was so peaceful and quiet. She was overwhelmed after all she had witnessed in Ukraine."
Jade said the families have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the Irish public. In fact, they have "had about 2,000 people" on Jade's Instagram page, since the previous week: "We have people coming up from the whole of Ireland.
"We have people travelling from Wexford, dropping stuff at my dad’s. The Portmarnock Swim Club dropped off €500 worth of food vouchers last night. Everyone has just been amazing."
Jade said that both she and her dad have been inundated with offers of support and accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. She said: "If you can’t help them with money or clothes, you can help them with your time. We’re offering people to meet them. It doesn’t have to be clothes, or money, or food. It can be just an hour of their time with these kids. They just want to feel loved and safe."
Both Jade and David have been working nonstop since last week trying to help people flee the devastation while also working full-time. She said while it was tough trying to do it all, meeting the families in person made it all worth it.
"It’s so touching especially when you meet the kids in person. They absolutely melt your heart. We had a gift for them last night at the airport and just the smiles on their faces because of these acts of kindness went such a long way.
"They still have a long road ahead of them after what they witnessed and saw but they’re here now and they’re safe. We’ll keep on doing everything we can to help. We’ll help them build their lives, get them into school, get them settled in Ireland. Hopefully, this is their future now."
To help Jade and David with their cause you can check out their Instagram here.
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