Troon girl inspires mercy mission to Romania

Dec 4 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A MASSIVE container packed with vital supplies is on its way to Romania – thanks to a 10-year-old Troon girl.

For Mhairi Cowan inspired her mum to embark on a mission to improve the lives of desperately poor families.

Seven years after the little girl pleaded with her mum to help those less fortunate than herself, the 40ft container packed with aid started its journey to the remote village, where it will help change lives.

Mum-of-four Ann Cowan explained how she was drawn into supporting the Smiles Foundation.

She said: “My daughter was 10 at the time and she wanted to sponsor a child. It all started from there.

“She kept nagging at me to go and visit and two years later we went. We’ve been going regularly ever since.”

The family, which also includes Ann’s husband Gordon, daughters Fiona and Kirstie and son Scott, have made dozen of trips with supplies over the years.

They’ve transported aid by car, van and truck.

And they struck on the idea of filling the huge container with aid – and turning it into a house when it’s unpacked at the end of the latest European journey – after watching a TV advert for Homebase.

They appealed to the public to ensure their mercy mission became a reality.

And they’ve been overwhelmed with support.

Ann added: “The support we’ve received from schools, churches and local people has been fantastic.

“We’ve had so many donations and at times my house looked like one big jumble sale.

“But it is worth it because it makes such a big difference to the lives of people who live in terrible conditions.”

The container left for Romania on Thursday and it is expected to arrive mid-December.

A mission trip has been scheduled to unpack the supplies and distribute them to families in need before the container is converted.

And if possible, Ann hopes that it won’t be long before the trip can me repeated.

She went on: “This whole thing has been inspired by a 10-year-old girl and it has made a huge difference to the lives of so many people.

“Hopefully the support we have received from people will continue.”

A fundraising ceilidh for the charity will take place in the Walker Hall, Troon, on Saturday, January 9.

Tickets are available from Ann on 0796 246 9567.