Love Ukraine mural unveiled along Grand Canal in aid of Red Cross

Lock 6 on Dublin’s Grand Canal has been transformed by Dublin based artist Klo Wi, who has painted the mural ‘Love Ukraine’ in support of the Ukrainain people.

The mural depicts a parade of Irish people holding love hearts with the colours of the Ukrainian flag, supporting the emergency appeal for Ukraine during the invasion by Russia.

“I really enjoyed working on this mural. It was a great feeling to be involved in something that is creating awareness and support to the people of Ukraine,” Klo Wi said.

“The response has been really positive, straight away people were taking photos with the piece passing by & posting online.”

The piece has been commissioned by Dublin based creative agency, FUEL to help raise funds for the Red Cross appeal in Ukraine.

The piece has a QR code which will link directly to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal and allow people to make a donation.

Pictured is Petro Rudyy with artist Klo-Wi of the Minaw Collective who was commissioned by FUEL to paint the mural ‘Love Ukraine’ at Lock 6 on Dublin’s Grand Canal in aid of The Red Cross Emergency Appeal for Ukraine.

“Upon hearing from our friend and long-time collaborator Petro Rudyy about his family who are living in a bomb shelter in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, we became acutely aware how many more stories there were just like his and we wanted to do something to show our love and support,” said Bettine McMahon, creative director at FUEL.

Petro Rudyy, who has been living in Ireland for many years, contacts his family daily and says he is desperately worried about them.

“I am sad and I am angry at the same time because Russians kill our civilians, women and kids everyday!” he says.

“I would like to say thank you so much to the Irish people, and people around the world who have shown support to Ukraine.

“Can we help more? Of course we can! Just simple things like food, water, clothing, medical supplies, if you can just send some money it would be so helpful to my people.

“Thanks to everyone who is helping, every little bit of support is needed,” he says.

Charlie Lamson, head of fundraising at Red Cross said: “The crisis in Ukraine has impacted millions of Ukrainians with more than 2 million fleeing into the neighbouring countries of Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Romania.

“Throughout this time, the support of the Irish public and business community has been profound – with more than €15M committed in support of the people of Ukraine since the end of February.

“This Irish Red Cross is grateful for the support of FUEL for their committed support of our work during this crucial time.”