Trόcaire has marked its 50th anniversary with an appeal to the people of Donegal to support its annual Lenten Appeal to help millions in crisis in Somalia.
Established in 1973 by the Irish Bishops, the charity has changed the lives of tens of millions of people around the world over the past five decades. Its annual Lenten campaign sees the iconic Trócaire Box displayed in hundreds of schools, churches, and homes all over County Donegal in the build up to Easter.
To order a Trόcaire Box or make a donation visit www.trocaire.org
Main pic: Caoimhe de Barra (centre), CEO of Trócaire, Mohamed Moham
Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, said today the agency’s history is owned by people in Donegal and the rest of Ireland.
“It is also owned by our brave partner organisations overseas, who work every day to better their own communities,” Ms de Barra said.
“But most importantly, it is owned by the people who benefit from our work and who have hope for a better future in their joined humanity with Irish people.”
Trócaire’s 50th Lenten campaign is focusing on Somalia, where repeated failed rains have led to nearly eight million people – almost half of Somalia’s population – struggling to find food.
“Millions of people are facing the prospect of starving to death. Thousands have already died. This is a shocking scandal,” she added.
Ms de Barra thanked the people of Donegal for their support and continuing generosity.
“Since Trόcaire was set up a half a century ago people in Donegal have been unstinting in their support of the work we do and the difference that support has made cannot be underestimated. The number of lives not just changed but saved is huge.”
“We work in countries that are most at risk of conflict, climate change and poverty, and the work we do is as important now as it was when Trόcaire was set up. We will continue to support and work with those who are most vulnerable both to develop long-term solutions to the challenges they face and in times of crisis.”
Ms de Barra said the terrible events recently in Syria and Turkey show just how vital humanitarian organisations are when disaster strikes.
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