Local families host Chernobyl kidsYoung people from Belarus are nearing the end of a visit to the North Coast as guests of the Portrush Group for the Chernobyl Children’s Appeal.
The 13 youngsters from Belarus arrived on July 18 for a three-week tour brought about by the generosity of volunteers who give up their time to provide a series of outings and experiences.
The majority of children are first-timers but some are returnees with everyone taking part in various activities such as surfing, horse riding as well as trips including a visit to Rathlin Island.
Angela Crothers who has been a host parent for the past 23 years and is a Director of the Chernobyl Children Appeal Northern Ireland explained that fund-raising takes place all year round to enable the visits to continue.
Another prominent figure, Sybil Donaghy, Group Leader said.
“it was the first time that many of the children had been abroad and they were loving it!”
Sybil and her colleagues were present at the Millside Restaurant, Cloughmills, who, for the second year running, provided free meals for the children as a way of making a contribution to the Appeal.
Interpreter Natasha Stifhenok was present to help with any communication issues but the smiles on the faces of the youngsters particularly when large portions of ice-cream were being served needed no words.
