|
Irish community unites to aid Tsunami Appeal
By Amanda Diamond
The Irish community up and down Britain is continuing its support of the Irish Post Tsunami Appeal.
More events have been planned in social clubs and pubs across the nation to help relieve some of the devastation caused by the Asian Tsunami.
Letters containing cash have been pouring in from Irish Post readers over the last few weeks to raise the total to nearly £11,000.
The Irish Post began its fundraising campaign last month with a contribution of £5,000 — but the generosity of our readers has enabled us to double that total.
And it is hoped that over the next few weeks even more money will continue to pour in as the community maintains its fundraising efforts.
The scale of the Tsunami disaster shocked members of the Irish community across Britain.
Many took immediate action and planned social events to raise cash for those left destitute after the water devastated Asian communities — killing hundreds of thousands in its wake.
One family of Irish Post readers are doing all they can to help rebuild a ravaged village in Sri Lanka.
The O’Mahony family from Hampshire are pulling out all the stops to raise money and recruit volunteers to build homes in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.
Their carpenter-son Brendan is gearing up to travel to the devastated country to offer his skills in re-building some of the villages.
But the O’Mahony’s are not the only Irish people doing their bit.
One of the first to contribute to the Irish Post Tsunami Appeal was a single reader who made a generous donation of £300 while The Rose of Tralee Committee have pledged the proceeds of one of their fundraising events.
And the Southwark Irish Pensioners’ Project (SIPP) in south London generouslymade a donation of over £200 this week from the proceeds of a raffle organised by the group.
This weekend will see yet more fundraising drives, with the Oxford Irish Society’s evening of Irish music and dance in support of the appeal.
The Irish community in Manchester are also doing their bit to raise funds this weekend with an Ulster Province Dance at St. Kentigern’s Social club.
An Irish Post spokesperson said: “So many Irish people across Britain are doing amazing things to raise money for this appeal and it has inspired people to want to make a difference.”
It is only with your help that aid agencies can give their support to those who have been affected by the incredible devastation in Asia.
The money donated will not only provide food and medical supplies but will also go towards re-building people’s lives and communities to make a lasting difference.
Planned events
Irish organisations across Britain are continuing to hold fundraising events for the victims of the Tsunami. Please write to the address below or call 020 8741 0649 to let us know about your event.
February 2:
Take Five will be playing at The Park Public House, Kimbolton Road, Bedfordshire at a 60s and 70s night with Irish Music from 8.30pm. All money raised will go to the Irish Post Tsunami Appeal.
February 4:
Free concert of Irish traditional music in the Franciscan Friary Church, Sampleoak Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Includes raffle, Guinness bar, free food, wine, tea and coffee. Bring finger food to share and a prize for raffle. Contact Jana/Tony on 01483 797097.
February 5:
Oxford Irish Society night of Irish music and dance to support the Irish Post’s Tsunami Appeal. Donations on admission. Cowley Community Centre, Barns Road, Oxford from 8pm. Contact Bernie for further details: 01865 711885
February 5:
Ulster Province Dance at St. Kentigern’s Social Club, Manchester. Includes fundraising drive for the Irish Post Tsunami Appeal. Starts 8.30pm. Contact 0161 224 2033 for further information.
February 12:
Cambridge Comhaltas presents a Céilí with guest musicians from The Irish Minstrels in Glasgow in aid of the Tsunami appeal. There will be a Licensed bar and buffet held at Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge, 8pm-11.30pm. Tickets available from 01223 363682 or 01638-552953.
February 18:
Chorlton IASC fundraising charity dance to raise funds for Tsunami victims with Eamon O’Neill of BBC Northwest. Contact Margaret for more details on 0161 8812898.
February 19:
A music and auction night will take place at the Royal Oak, Wellington Road, Rhyl on February 19. All donations will go to the Irish Post Tsunami Appeal. For more information contact Pat Scahill on 01745 338 634 after 7pm on weekdays, anytime at weekends.
February 26:
The Bhoys of Ilford CSC, Essex function at Maguire’s Bar, Ilford. Music by Bannastrand. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the Tsunami Appeal. Contact Danny Kerr on 0207 6339966.
March 5:
Liverpool’s St. Michael’s Irish Centre, 6 Boundary Lane, West Derby Road stages a re-union night from 8pm until late. Admission by ticket only at £4. All proceeds to the Tsunami Appeal. For further details contact Michael Quinlan on 0151 4984379 or the centre on 0151 2631808.
March 12:
Manchester Fermanagh Association dance in aid of the Tsunami Appeal. St. Kentigern’s Social Club. Tickets £2 or £5 on the door.
| 