A beautiful new mural along the Grand Canal in Dublin has been created to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people following the outbreak of war in the country.
Lock 6 on Dublin’s Grand Canal has been transformed by Dublin based artist Klo Wi, who painted the mural ‘Love Ukraine’ over the course of two days.
The original piece of art has been commissioned by Dublin agency FUEL to help raise funds which will go directly to the Red Cross, who are supporting people across Ukraine caught up in the war.
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The mural depicts a parade of Irish people holding love hearts with the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
The mural also has QR code which will link directly to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal and allow people to make a donation.
Klo said that she "really enjoyed" working on the mural.
She said: "I really enjoyed working on this mural. It was a great feeling to be involved in something that is creating awareness and support to the people of Ukraine .
"The response has been really positive, straight away people were taking photos with the piece passing by and posting online."
Speaking about how the art work came about, Creative Director at FUEL Bettine McMahon said that they heard about their friend and collaborator Petro Rudyy's family who are still in Ukraine.
She said: "Upon hearing from our friend and long-time collaborator Petro Rudyy about his family who are living in a bomb shelter in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, we became acutely aware how many more stories there were just like his and we wanted to do something to show our love and support."
Petro Rudyy, who has been living in Ireland for many years, contacts his family daily. His family are currently in a bomb shelter in Chernihiv.
Petro said: "I am sad and I am angry at the same time because Russians kill our civilians, women and kids everyday! I would like to say thank you so much to the Irish people, and people around the world who have shown support to Ukraine.
"Can we help more? Of course we can! Just simple things like food, water, clothing, medical supplies, if you can just send some money it would be so helpful to my people.
"Thanks to everyone who is helping, every little bit of support is needed."
The Ukrainian Red Cross has also provided food, warm clothing and other aid to around 7,000 people sheltering in metro stations as well as first aid training for more than 12,000 people in metro stations and bomb shelters.
Head of Fundraising Charlie Lamson said: "The crisis in Ukraine has impacted millions of Ukrainians with more than 2 million fleeing into the neighbouring countries of Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Romania.
"Throughout this time, the support of the Irish public and business community has been profound – with more than €15 million committed in support of the people of Ukraine since the end of February.
"This Irish Red Cross is grateful for the support of FUEL for their committed support of our work during this crucial time."
Anyone wishing to donate can click here
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