Heartening response to Maintain Hope appeal

Images by Maintain Hope.

The response to a recent appeal by Maintain Hope for funds for its charity work in Kenya was €1,200, writes Brian Byrne.

Describing it as 'heartening', the charity's founder Gerry O'Donoghue said the amount was the equivalent to a 'sellout concert in the Town Hall with a good raffle'.

Over recent years there have been five 'Acoustic Picnic' events organised by Roy Thompson and friends for the charity. Traditionally held in the Town Hall, last June's event was held outdoors on the Bridge Community Farm & Nature Trail.

"While we missed the the excitement and interaction of a live event, we are very grateful for the generosity of our supporters in these difficult and worrying times," Gerry O'Donoghue said today.

The financial help has allowed Maintain Hope's colleagues in Kenya to buy food, medicine, soap and sanitisers and send them to the families where the vulnerable residents from the Ngong Children's Home are staying during the coronavirus crisis.

"All our children are well so far. Julius is in constant contact with their guardians and we are hoping that with good nutrition and medication, they will emerge unharmed from this crisis. Schools will remain closed for at least another month and a 7pm to 5am curfew is being enforced."

Gerry notes that most of the children are living in one-room corrugated iron shacks with less than a metre distance between them. "Social distancing and regular hygiene is a real challenge," he says.

The recent appeal gathered in new subscribers to the charity's Tenner a Month support scheme. "Which is really good news. Again we appeal to those who were thinking about it to sign up now. The need was never greater and every cent goes directly to help our families."

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