David urges donations for Lenten campaign

David O'Hare from Newtownabbey, who works for Trocaire, pictured in Uganda. David has taken the opportunity at St Patrick's Day to thank the people of Co. Antrim for their fantastic support at Lent and throughout the year. Photo: Justin Kernoghan

Speaking ahead of St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, David O’Hare, who works for the development agency, has praised residents for their ongoing support of people living in poverty.

Mr. O’Hare said: “On St Patrick’s Day, the country will celebrate all that is good about being from Ireland. When I meet people overseas through my work with Trocaire, I’m always quick to tell them that I’m from Ireland, and in particular, from County Antrim.

“The generosity of the Irish towards people experiencing poverty and hardship is quite remarkable. It’s something we should be extremely proud of, especially as we celebrate all that’s great about Ireland on St Patrick’s Day.”

David explained that he has seen the impact of Antrim people’s support for Trocaire’s projects first-hand. Trocaire helps thousands of poor and vulnerable communities to overcome poverty by improving their agricultural practices, income, education and sources of food.

He added: “With support from County Antrim, people are being empowered to work their way out of poverty, grow their confidence, raise their voices within their own communities and imagine a more secure future for their families.”

The 2013 Trocaire Lenten campaign highlights how donations from Ireland, north and south, are supporting those living in the most isolated and forgotten rural communities in India.

David continued: “Ambika Paraja, the little girl on this year’s Trocaire box, is a wonderful example of how Antrim people are inspiring a generation through Trocaire’s work.

“Through Co. Antrim’s donations, Ambika’s family now has a basic home, an income from farming and can send Ambika to a local school.

“Ireland was recently ranked as the most charitable nation in Europe and the second most charitable nation worldwide in a study carried out by the Charities Aid Foundation. We have a strong tradition of empathy with those less fortunate and even as we go through a recession, that tradition has been retained.

“At the moment there are Trocaire boxes in homes, schools and parishes across Ireland, north and south.

“People from Ireland have made this box a symbol of hope for so many people and a firm part of our history of making the world a more just place.”

Trocaire’s Lenten campaign runs until Easter Sunday, March 31. To order a Trocaire box or make a donation, call 0800 912 1200 or visit trocaire.org.