Fundraiser for Kolkata
Stephen Nugent and his daughter Keelin, from Ballysax, plan to go out to Kolkata in March as part of a group of volunteers taking part in a 10-day experience of working with the street children in the city, where more than a quarter of a million of them are homeless.
To survive, children scavenge in rubbish dumps to find scraps to sell or beg on the streets. Most are not in school and have poor health. Many children are abandoned and are at high risk of abuse, exploitation and child trafficking.
Hope works with committed people and organisations to change these children’s lives. The organisation funds and supports projects in health, nutrition, child protection and education.
Keelin, who is a TY student in Presentation College Thurles, has already taken part in fundraisers for the trip with her classmates. Fourteen of them are going to Kolkata.
"The volunteers were asked if any adults could help, and she volunteered me," Stephen says. "She came home and told me I'd be going to India, just like that."
The Nugents live near Jockey Hall. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday afternoon and all who want to donate are welcome to come along. The entertainers will include Stephen's sister Kathleen Nugent, and his other daughter Laoise, as well as local traditional musicians and others. Refreshments provided. Contact Stephen at 087 2249999.
