Mallow man’s appeal for Trocaire

TOM CROWLEY IS TROCAIRE CHIEF IN LATIN AMERICA

This week marks the start of Ireland’s largest fundraising campaign, the Trócaire Lenten Appeal, which will see more than one million Trócaire boxes reach households and schools across the country.

Local Trócaire worker Tom Crowley from Mallow is appealing to people of his home county to get involved in the campaign, which will allow Trócaire to help more than two million of the poorest and most vulnerable people across the world over the coming year.

Trócaire’s 2019 Lenten Appeal highlights how the loss of land in the developing world is leading to devastating consequences for millions of families. Tom Crowley, who is Head of Latin America for Trócaire, explained: “Land is such an important factor in combating poverty. It allows people to grow food to feed their families and to make a living, and it offers much-needed safety and stability for children.

“Sadly though, for many reasons, land and homes are being taken from millions of families across the developing world and means they are facing hunger, the threat of violence as well as a lack of access to education and basic medical care as they struggle to survive.”

This year, the lent box tells this story through three young girls, each of whom have been left homeless through being violently evicted, or through lacking fundamental rights, or through war.“Trócaire is working in over 20 countries across the developing world and supports thousands of families like those of Maria, Maya and Patricia by providing food, shelter and medical care as well as fighting for justice and land rights,” Tom added. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations we receive from parishes, schools and families from Cork each year and I would appeal to people across the county to support this vital campaign. This can be done by collecting your loose change in a Trócaire box, making a donation online or over the phone, or organising fundraising activities throughout lent.”

The Trócaire Lent Campaign runs until Easter Sunday, April 21. Trócaire boxes are available from local parishes, www.trocaire.org, by phoning 1850 408 408 or 9 Cook Street in Cork.