Over 1,000 refugees expected to arrive in Co Kildare in 2017

Appeals are being made for donations of buggies for a Co Kildare family moving from Syria tomorrow.

Mick Power, Co-ordinator of Kildare Volunteer Centre, is urging people to assist the family.

Since August, 130 families moved to the former Hazel Hotel in Monasterevin. According to Mr Power, 60 of these have still not been relocated and will stay in Monastervin over Christmas.

Many of the refugees have children under five while some have young babies.

The Hazel Hotel  in Monasterevin is the “orientation” centre  for refugees, providing temporary accommodation.

After some time receiving English classes and settling in, they will be relocated around the country.

Over a thousand are anticipated to arrive in Co Kildare  by September next.

Ireland is committed to offering asylum to 4,000 Syrian refugees.

Meanwhile, the Focolare Centre, based in Prosperous, is organising a Christmas fair in aid of refugees in Syria this Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

One of the event organisers, Susan Gately said: "We have been very touched by the refugees that we have met. Syria is in our hearts."

State television broadcast footage reveals   a tide of hundreds of refugees walking along a ravaged street, wearing thick clothes against the rain and cold, many with hoods or hats pulled tight around their faces, and hauling sacks or bags of belongings.

One man pushed a bicycle loaded with bags, another family pulled a cart on which sat an elderly woman. Another man carried on his back a small girl wearing a pink hat.

The International Committee for the Red Cross appealed for all sides to spare civilian lives. "As the battle reaches new peaks and the area is plunged into chaos thousands with no part in the violence have literally nowhere safe to run."

Speaking to Kildare Now, Mr Power says that the refugees in Co Kildare are 'happy to be here.'

He said: "They don't complain, they are happy to be here. When they arrive first, they are in a state of shock."

Donations to Kildare Volunteer Centre at  (045) 449 156.