FOR the past four years, the charity Cradle has sent truckloads of essential supplies to the children of war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovenia. Its founder Jadzia Kaminska is now putting together a very special Convoy for Children which along with much-needed food and clothing will also carry paints, crayons, paper, brushes, and play-dough - the sort of creative play stuff that is easy to take for granted.
In his speech announcing details of the convoy, city manager Frank Feely quoted James Connolly, who said that people need more than bread, they need roses. Morah Ryan came to lend her support as did Zlata Filipovic, the 16-year-old whose diary told movingly of her experiences as a child in the war. She came to Ireland as a refugee six months ago and said that the convoy sounded like such a great idea because "there is no childishness in war. It takes that from you and perhaps this convoy will give some children their childhood back".
Anyone who wants to donate art supplies should contact their nearest arts centre (there are 16 taking part nationwide) or phone Cradle (01-679-4506) from May 7th until May 11th. The convoy leaves Dublin on May 12th.