Galway Asylum Seekers' Community Newsletter: Ted Brennan

(L-R) Dmitry & Natasha Vershinin (Eglinton); Ted Brennan, Lorraine Tansey (organiser of 'CKI Alive!' student volunteer unit at Galway University) & Aida Chipera (former asylum seeker)
Quite a few of those who received certificates at this week's Mayoral Awards, in recognition of their unselfish and unpaid voluntary efforts on behalf of others, had connections either with the Eglinton Accommodation Centre or with asylum seeking generally.

As we know from a previous article, our very own Dmitry & Natasha were popular candidates for these prestigious honours as well as Ted Brennan, student volunteer in our Computer Room
But there were others:

Karin Wimmer who has been the top clown and events organiser at our Christmas & Halloween parties over the last few years. Karin has also provided learning courses to our children in her Galway Circus Project which was also nominated for an award and featured recently in a major national television programme
former asylum-seeker Aida Chipera who has achieved a high reputation for her work with Galway community organisations
Brendan Smith from Galway University. Computer Room organiser & founding member of our Residents Support Committee
Aydros Hussam from the Westside Asylum Seekers Hostel in Galway City. Aydros is one of the primary motivators in promoting sporting and social activities for his fellow residents and was one of our honoured guests at the launch of our Activity Programme 2007-2008 which was hosted by Irish government minister Eamon Ó Cuiv.

Photo: L-R Dmitry, Mayor of Galway City Tom Costello, Natasha & Adrienne Lynam (HSE)

The Eglinton Summer Events programme ended on a high note with a fantastic picnic in the the beautiful setting of Renville Park.

Over 70 residents turned up on Sunday August 26th to enjoy great food, great music, great fun and great party games.

It was brilliantly organised by Ted, Gen, Susanne and their merry band of student helpers. Not only did they walk the length and breath of Galway securing a wide selection of food and drink cuisine for our consumption, they spent ages decorating a myriad of the park's trees with balloons and bunting. That was topped up with a music sound system that came complete with a real live Disc Jockey!Last but not least they then devoted many hours ensuring that the picnic-goers, particularly the children, enjoyed the playground and other natural attractions of what is probably one of the nicest parks in Ireland.

Carole as always put her heart and soul in organising the transport and the handing out of the food. Brendan helped by Godswill took all the photographs that will give us so much good memories in years to come. Maeve paid for the transport & overheads.

Thanks Everybody!