Red Cross Chairman David Andrews sees blankets off to Afghanistan

The shipment consisting of 8,000 Irish-made double blankets will be delivered to the western province of Herat, close to the Afghanistan/Iran border where Irish Red Cross delegate, Séamus Meagher will help to distribute them to local people.

The blankets were made by the Foxford Woollen Mills company, based in County Mayo and are ideally suited to Afghan weather conditions because of their dimensions and durability. They will be shipped out of Dublin over coming days, travelling first to Rotterdam and then onwards by sea to Iran. Once in Iran the Iranian Red Crescent, through the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent societies, will ensure their delivery across the border to Herat.

Thanking Irish donors, Irish Red Cross Chairman David Andrews TD said he was very pleased to be associated with practical help to assist the most needy. Noting that many people in Afghanistan, and particularly around Herat, have lost their homes because of conflicts and have left farms because of crop failures, David Andrews said he was pleased with the response of people who had donated to the Irish Red Cross.

The international Red Cross appeal remains at 47 million Swiss Francs, with money donated used to support health centres and feeding stations throughout the country.

Accredited media are invited to attend a Photocall. Please contact Irish Red Cross Head Office for details.

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