Blessing as aid convoy sets off from Shrewsbury
Three fully equipped fire engines and an ambulance set off from Shrewsbury in the autumn sunshine, heading for Transylvania where they will deliver aid to orphanages and old people’s homes.
Members of Shropshire-based charity Operation Sabre were waved off following a traditional blessing from the priest at Shrewsbury Cathedral.
The convoy, carrying several tonnes of humanitarian aid, is crewed by 11 volunteer serving and retired firefighters from Shropshire and neighbouring fire services with two American volunteer fire officers. They received the traditional blessing from Canon Jonathan Mitchell outside St Chad’s Church just before leaving yesterday.
Canon Jonathan said it was “his continued honour” to carry out his fifth blessing of Operation Sabre’s convoys. The blessing is reciprocated by Romanian Catholic, Presbyterian and Orthodox priests on arrival in Romania.
The convoy will travel 1,700 miles, over five days, through nine countries, before reaching Transylvania.
The team will run an intensive training programme with local volunteer firefighters in Alba and Bihor counties and deliver aid to orphanages and old people’s homes.
Working with Romanian firefighters, the team will continue its long term project to redecorate and refurbish a special needs home of 80 residents who will receive the ambulance from the charity, part-sponsored by Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, to assist in transporting wheelchair users.
The charity’s president and team leader Steve Worrall praised the support of local groups from across Shropshire and the Welsh borders who generously donated toys, blankets and clothing.
“All this will have a huge impact upon the lives of those who have so little,” he said.
The team returns to the UK on October 20 and its daily progress can be viewed via the charity’s Facebook page facebook.com/operationsabre
