County Kildare supported 601 families in the developing world last Xmas with Trócaire gifts’

By Kim O'Leary

Irish development agency Trócaire has thanked the people of Kildare for supporting 601 families around the world with Christmas gifts last year.

People in the county spent almost €15,000 on Trócaire gifts last year, which supported families with livestock, school books, water and healthcare in some of the poorest and most isolated places on earth.

The charity said that people from across the country continue to show incredible generosity at Christmas. Since its beginning Trócaire’s gifts campaign has sold nearly 900,000 gifts.

The campaign has raised over €37 million in total for Trócaire’s work to eradicate poverty in more than twenty countries in the developing world.

According to Eamonn Meehan, executive director of Trócaire, “I have seen the difference these gifts make on the ground. It is no exaggeration to say that they are having an immediate, practical impact on families throughout the developing world. For example, millions of people in east Africa are still fighting for survival in the face of drought and crop failures."

He added: "The gift of chicks for families in Kenya and Ethiopia can give them a critical extra source of income from their eggs and it is also a vital source of protein for the family. A simple gift like chickens can help parents to keep their children in school even during difficult months and give them important nutrition.”

Mr Meehan said: “Last year’s donations from Kildare have meant that families are able to earn an income, refugees fleeing conflict are receiving support and people suffering the impacts of drought have access to clean water. We cannot thank the people enough for continuing to add our ethical gifts to their Christmas shopping list."

This year Trócaire’s 10 Christmas gifts from €7 to €250 can be bought online at www.trocaire.org/gifts or by calling 1850 408 408. Gifts are for sale in Veritas stores and selected Easons stores. One4All Trócaire cards are also available in An Post Offices.

CAPTION: Annabel Butler (4) at Trócaire's Christmas gifts launch in Maynooth, Kildare this week. Trócaire's 10 gifts are available on www.trocaire.org