Louth charity Crosscause changing lives in West Africa
Another container loaded with 25 tons of vital humanitarian aid left Blackrock, Co Louth destined for the Republic of Ghana in West Africa recently
Early one morning recently, another container loaded with 25 tons of vital humanitarian aid left Blackrock, Co Louth destined for the Republic of Ghana in West Africa.
It was the outcome of many weeks of work by Crosscause, a charity run by local volunteers and led by Blackrock man, Conor Hughes, who is the driving force behind operations in Ghana, Romania and Ukraine.
“Our containers bring hope of a better future to children and families who are unable to afford school uniforms or laptops”, Conor said.
“The containers bring essential supplies such as schoolbooks, sewing machines, incubators, hospital supplies, wheelchairs and crutches.”
Crosscause headquarters is at the AOH hall in Blackrock where volunteers sort and store supplies ranging from children’s uniforms to hospital beds, which are then packed into neat bundles and loaded into a 40-foot container.
Recently, volunteers packed 400 bags of new school uniforms, consisting of shirts, trousers, jumpers, and tracksuits.
Above: Local charity Crosscause’s Conor Hughes, from Blackrock, loading a container with humanitarian aid.
Conor oversees the packing, and each container is filled to the brim with everything from hospital beds supplied by the HSE, which were withdrawn from use due to EU regulations.
Disused classroom equipment, including desks, chairs and books, was supplied by Mayo County Council.
Conor believes there are warehouses filled with useful material around Ireland that can be reused in schools and hospitals in Ghana.
He is appealing for high-quality items, from school books, school furniture, hospital supplies (such as disinfectant, nappies and bandages), tools for dressmaking and mechanics, and hygiene products.
He has built connections with local authorities, including a partnership with Mayo County Council, contributing to the life-changing work being done by Crosscause in impoverished parts of the world.
Shipping a 25-ton container costs approximately €5,000 and in the case of one sent to Ghana recently, the cost was covered by Mayo County Council.
In Ghana, import duties are paid by the Ministry of Education and local MP’s. Several Crosscause volunteers have travelled at their own expense to Ghana to assist with education projects and to oversee the distribution of aid.
Conor said: ‘We are a small organisation, so we don’t run highly structured programmes or give step-by-step instructions.
“Instead, we welcome volunteers who bring their own ideas and carry them through from start to finish.
“Those who step up and take responsibility — whether for small or larger projects — make a real difference. Their energy, creativity, and commitment are what truly drive our impact.”
For instance, used laptops, which are often discarded in cupboards, are refurbished and shipped to schools in Ghana by a local volunteer.
Recently, Crosscause has shipped five containers to Ghana and five more to Romania.
The shipments to Romania included a lorry loaded with potatoes and equipment for Casa Bridget, in Romania, a refuge and school for orphans with disabilities.
At Christmas time, the orphans received shoeboxes with children’s gifts and practical items such as soap and toothpaste.
In Eastern Europe, Crosscause focuses on combating poverty and supporting local communities, providing food, clothing, medical supplies and funding housing renovations to improve living conditions.
One of the very practical aid projects being delivered by Crosscause is the drilling of wells in villages where clean, fresh water is limited.
Last year, there were five new wells completed in Ghana at a cost of €6,000 per well.
Conor said: “We take clean water for granted in Dundalk, but in Ghana, a well can be life changing for local people who can grow crops and have fresh spring water from a tap.”
One thing is certain about Conor Hughes and the Crosscause charity; he has no shortage of ideas or local people willing to help.
In recent years, the charity has funded an impoverished leprosy village in Ghana.
Crosscause assists up to 50 people with the disease, plus families, with regular food and hygiene deliveries.
Another project launched four years ago is the Xorladi Children’s centre, in West Africa, catering for nearly 30 abandoned children, some with special needs. The official opening of a new building took place in February of this year.
To find out more about the charity, please check the website www.crosscause.ie