This page outlines our background, explains who we work with in Romania and begins with "why?"
Why we help in Romania?
Just take a look at our News page, visit the "poverty pole of Europe" with us if you wish and we feel sure you'll understand why it is so important that people in Northern Ireland continue to support the people of Romania. [Click here for News Page]
Our Partners
- The Romanian Aid Foundation (RoAF)
An established UK charity (UK Reg.1060828) fund raising and providing aid transportation and relief projects in NE Romania. Romanian Aid Northern Ireland was founded as a result of a supporters visit organised by RoAF. Further details can be found on the web site: www.roaf.org
The Romanian Aid Foundation, 179 Albert Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7HS. Phone & Fax: +44-(0)1293 403888
A Romanian charity assessing needs, distributing aid and providing local employment.
Asociatia Neemia, Str Spiru Haret Nr.9, Bl.1 16a. Ap3 Dorohoi, Botosani 6850, Romania Phone & Fax: +40-(0)231-610059
- God's Love in Action (GLIA (UK))
A UK charity operating the Centre of Hope in Dorohoi and undertaking a range of relief measures. For further details check out our "Visiting Romania" section above or the web site: www.glia.org.uk
God's Love in Action, The Centre of Hope, Str George Enescu Nr. 78, Dorohoi, Botosani 6850, Romania Phone +40-(0)231-616120
We work closely with each of the above organisations and a number of individuals in order to meet our aims. We fully acknowledge the support given to us.
Romanian Aid Northern Ireland was established in 2003. The founder members having up to seven years experience of aid work for and in Romania.
An exploratory trip to Dorohoi in May 2003 with the RoAF supporters visit resulted in the formation of the new group. Members were introduced to the work of RoAF, Association Neemia and Gods Love in Action and quickly agreed to work in support.
Whilst Romanian Aid Northern Ireland retains a separate identity and its own management committee the relationship with RoAF is strong. The group has adopted the familiar RoAF family logo (with crosses in green) in recognition of the close working relationship.
At the outset the Northern Ireland team focused its fund raising efforts towards paying for an additional aid lorry delivery in order to help maintain stocks in the Dorohoi "depozit". The warehouse storage facility can lie almost empty for periods awaiting deliveries from the UK and it was felt that an additional delivery would benefit those who wait patiently on aid arriving.
Fund raising activities have included appeals to businesses and churches, a street collection and sponsored events such as the "Boxing Day Dip" when members braved the icy waves of the Irish Sea. Sandra Reid the groups Treasurer commented "We endured the cold for a few minutes. This is nothing compared to the harsh winter conditions endured by the people of Northern Romania."
The group collected over 100 boxes for the "Joy in a Box" scheme in 2003 and supplied 188kgs of surgical instruments.
Colin Reid the group Secretary writes "We very much appreciate the encouragement and assistance of RoAF members following the formation of RANI. With Gods help we have achieved a great deal already and in a way RANI owes its existence and its close relationship to RoAF to a single telephone call responding to our enquiry about the supporters visit. We sometimes forget - just how powerful a kind word can be!".
 Our Secretary in Dorohoi.
This poem was written by a Romanian dinner guest during our first visit to Dorohoi. It was translated for us by our good friend Dan.
It is hard for me to say the word "mother" because I know only too well who I am.
All my dreams fly away like smoke in the wind.
It is hard for me to say the word "father" that word would give me comfort and protection
But I have never had someone who can resolve my problems.
That is just the way it is
Because I have grown up with fear in my heart because I have never known my "father"
And I have never had a "mother"
Bring me an abundance of flowers so that my fate cannot be seen
I hope that everyone forgets me as if I never existed.
 We found the reference to flowers rather odd. You rarely see flowers in Dorohoi. (Why would you grow something you cannot eat?) It would be good to write another verse. One that speaks of Hope perhaps. Could you help?
We came home after this first visit and founded RANI. We hope you will be led to work with us.
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