Fundraiser to help Filipino community in Ballymena following riots raises over £9k
Police came under attack on Thursday evening for a fourth consecutive night in Northern Ireland as disorder spread through multiple towns.
Missiles were thrown at officers after a protest in Portadown on Thursday, continuing a trend that was sparked earlier in the week in Ballymena.
In Ballymena, some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack.
The fundraiser was launched by Zuzanna Dziwulska after a series of attacks on Filipino families in Ballymena and Cullybackey, including an arson attack on mechanic Kevin Rous's car.
The GoFundMe page read: 'We all know about the incidents which have been on going 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.'
Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena
Zuzanna said the fundraiser had 'gone way over target in 24 hours' and that she had been in touch with Kevi's family and was arranging to transfer the funds.
She added: '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.'
A separate fundraiser launched by 20-year-old Matthew Obillo, a Filipino man living in Ireland, has raised nearly €1,000 to support Kevin and his family.
Matthew said he came across a 'heart-breaking video' about Kevin's story, which 'deeply affected' him, despite never having met him.
He added: 'My own parents worked incredibly hard to move to Ireland before I was born, and to this day, they put in long hours to support our family.
"So when I saw someone else, likely working just as hard to provide for his loved ones, go through something so cruel, it hit me hard. Kevin wasn't even home because he was out working, and now his family is left scared and traumatized in a place that should feel safe.'
Matthew said all proceeds would go directly to Kevin and his family adding that the funds would be used to 'provide support in the form of essential supplies, accommodation help or whatever else they may need.'
'Let's show Kevin and his family that there's still kindness out there,' he added.
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