More than 1,000 packages of essential supplies are being sent out to people across West Belfast today.
The move comes after funding from City Hall was used to create a large scale aid drop which will see scores of community activists swing into action to deliver the goods.
Community organisations are arriving at the Andersonstown Social Club in a staggered fashion to adhere to social distancing guidelines before fanning out to various districts. Staff at the well known club also volunteered to pack up all the bags ahead of distribution.
Ciaran Beattie, a Sinn Féin councillor, is helping co-ordinate the operation.
He added: “There’s been £120,000 from Belfast City Council which has been shared across the four quarters of the city and at the Andersonstown Social Club there’s been a hub created where community groups are coming together to take 1,000 bags with £30 worth of essentials in each.
“There’s been an incredible response from all the groups involved with a database drawn up of people who are self-isolating, or older or disabled, in each Council Ward and groups from each Ward targetting the right people.
"There’s protocols in place too with masks and gloves work by everyone and the bag being left at the door then a knock on the door and a few steps back. The big question is what does the future hold and getting plans in place to sustain this if need be.”
A range of West Belfast community groups including the Clonard Residents Association, the Frank Gillen Centre, the Blackie Community Group are involved in the efforts to distribute the packs.
