Syrian refugee Fadi Almasri opened the first pharmacy in Ballon, Co Carlow after coming to Ireland with the help of the UN in 2014.
In that short period of just over a year, he has endeared himself and his staff to the whole community.
One nominee told us of how he is extremely obliging and would even deliver medicines to homes if people were under pressure.
“His pharmacy is always very well stocked but importantly the addition of the pharmacy to our village is a very welcome service. Ballon pharmacy has gone above and beyond in helping out the Ukrainian refugees who have been in our local community centre since April. All the staff at the pharmacy are friendly chatty and extremely helpful.”
Fadiand his family fled their native Syria for neighboring Jordan when the uprising against Bashar al-Assad began in 2011. In Syria, Almasri’s home and pharmacy were destroyed.
He says, ““It’s the time to pay back Ireland,” Almasri said. “It’s time to start a new future here for
me and my family, try to help the community here, and even to offer jobs for people.
“We have been welcomed with open arms in our community since we opened our doors. I have been overwhelmed with the support of our customers and to receive this nomination for such an important Award has really been the highlight of this entire journey, not just for me but for the whole team.
“What so many people have been saying to me is that it’s so handy to have a pharmacy in Ballon. Now they don’t have to drive to Carlow or Bunclody for their medication, which is so important, particularly for elderly people. I think having things local, particularly during the pandemic, was never more important,” he added.
“I do feel that when you open a business in a community, you have a responsibility to that community, to be part of it and to help support the community.”
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