Holly to help orphans
When Holly Bathe from Logstown goes to Moldova in June, her wish to work with orphans in the country will put her in direct contact with a level of deprivation that she won't have experienced before.
The 'disabled' label actually hid a situation where most of the children simply weren't wanted and had been dumped in the orphanage.
The conditions were appalling, with local temperatures ranging from -30degC in winter to 40degC in summer. The orphanage residents had inadequate clothing, poor supervision, and were both malnourished and had little medical attention. Annual deaths were up to 60 a year.
Since it was set up, the Outreach Moldova charity has raised and spent almost €6 million, has recruited a local staff of around 200, and has cut the death rate in the institution to less than one a year.
Holly is going out there under a programme which is designed to provide direct care to the residents in the orphanage between May and October each year.
"We'll spend time with the kids, and take them on day trips and treats."
It sounds like small things, but the charity says this kind of 'hands on' help makes all the difference.
Holly and her family and friends had to raise a minimum of €1,700 for the volunteers initiative. Her dad Frank organised a recent Poker 49 fundraiser which attracted more entrants than was possible to accommodate.
But there's no limit on donations, and anyone who wishes to help with the matter can find out how to help by calling Frank on 087 2349926 or landline 481016.
Brian Byrne.
