Ballymena riots: Thousands raised after Filipino mechanic's home targeted
Thousands have been raised after a Filipino mechanic's home was targeted in the Ballymena riots.
Kevin Rous, a mechanic at the nearby Wrightbus Factory, had his car destroyed and Cullybackey home damaged in an arson attack during violent disorder in Ballymena on Monday night.
He had been working at the time of the attack in the family, with his family being left terrified during the ordeal.
On Tuesday evening during further disorder in Ballymena, some Filipino residents posted their country's flag on their doors in the hopes of not being targeted by racist attacks.
Following the attack on Kevin's home, a fundraiser has been set up by Zuzanna Dziwulska in the hopes of supporting the mechanic and helping him to get back on his feet.
A post on GoFundMe read: 'We all know about the incidents which have been ongoing in Ballymena. This fundraiser has no political intent.
'I hope as residents of Ballymena/Cullybackey we can agree innocent people should not be punished by the actions of others.
'Therefore I am hoping to fundraise a small amount of money and get in contact with Kevin Rous in Cullybackey who has had his family unfortunately hit by an attack.
'Everyone should feel safe in Ballymena and hopefully we can help get this man's life back on track.
'24 hours in we have gone way over target, I have managed to get in contact with Kev and his family and am now going through the process of getting money to them.
'I have also been reached by the wider Filipino community so it would be great if we could also give others affected a helping hand'.
So far the GoFundMe has raised £3,860 (€4,553) of the £5,500 (€6,488) target. To donate to the fundraiser, head here.
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Thousands have been raised after a Filipino mechanic's home was targeted in the Ballymena riots. Kevin Rous, a mechanic at the nearby Wrightbus Factory, had his car destroyed and Cullybackey home damaged in an arson attack during violent disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. He had been working at the time of the attack in the family, with his family being left terrified during the ordeal. On Tuesday evening during further disorder in Ballymena, some Filipino residents posted their country's flag on their doors in the hopes of not being targeted by racist attacks. Following the attack on Kevin's home, a fundraiser has been set up by Zuzanna Dziwulska in the hopes of supporting the mechanic and helping him to get back on his feet. A post on GoFundMe read: 'We all know about the incidents which have been ongoing in Ballymena. This fundraiser has no political intent. 'I hope as residents of Ballymena/Cullybackey we can agree innocent people should not be punished by the actions of others. 'Therefore I am hoping to fundraise a small amount of money and get in contact with Kevin Rous in Cullybackey who has had his family unfortunately hit by an attack. 'Everyone should feel safe in Ballymena and hopefully we can help get this man's life back on track. '24 hours in we have gone way over target, I have managed to get in contact with Kev and his family and am now going through the process of getting money to them. 'I have also been reached by the wider Filipino community so it would be great if we could also give others affected a helping hand'. So far the GoFundMe has raised £3,860 (€4,553) of the £5,500 (€6,488) target. To donate to the fundraiser, head here.
