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PHOTOS Every Child is Your Child Fundraising Dinner Event helps parents in need at Thomond Park

Donna Vuma, Cofounder of Every Child is Your Child, Limerick Mayor Stephen Keary, Eileen Humphreys, Limerick City & County Council and Finn Lannon, Cofounder of Every Child is Your Child at the fundraiser dinner at Thomond Park. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick.

Every Child is Your Child Fundraising Dinner Event helps parents in need at Thomond Park

by ilovelimerick correspondent Chloe O’Keeffe

The organizers of a Limerick initiative called “Every Child is Your Child” held a fundraising dinner in Thomond Park to raise funds for parents who are living in direct provision as they await approval of their refugee status. The event took place last Saturday, 12 of May, and consisted of a dinner evening with entertainment from Voice of Ireland star Sharon Murphy and African band Elikya. It was supported by a range of business, sporting and other organizations including the University of Limerick, Doras Luimní, and Limerick City & County Council.


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Speaking earlier this year, one of the organizers of Every Child Your Child event, Finn Lannon, said, “This promises to be a fun evening with a difference. It’s not every day that people get a chance to enjoy an evening of music and good food at Thomond Park for just €30 while contributing to a deserving cause at the same time.”

Every Child is Your Child

Barry Burke and The Limerockers Cru ready to perform at the Every Child is Your Child Fundraiser Dinner 2018 at Thomond Park, Saturday, May 12, 2018. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick.

“Last year was such a huge success for the asylum-seeking community of Limerick. We were able to help over 50 children and parents through schoolbooks, uniforms and other school fees thanks to the people of the midwest’s generous support,” said another of the organizers Donnah Vuma, who is herself living in direct provision.

“We want people to come along to enjoy themselves in Thomond Park on May 12,” added Donnah, “But we’re also asking the public and businesses to donate towards the purchase of tickets for people in direct provision. With an allowance of only €21.60 a week, and not being allowed to work, they cannot normally afford nights out like this.”

University of Limerick’s President Des Fitzgerald spoke about the need for such causes in our community. “Organisations like this are the reason why Limerick is such a well-regarded city. There is a definitive need for this cause and I am proud to be a supporter.”

Limerick’s City & County Council’s Seamus Hanrahan, Director of Service, welcomed this event,  Every Child is Your Child and how it brings people together for a common purpose. “It is about empowering people and encouraging harmony and interdependence among parents from different nationalities residing in Ireland, focusing on those living in direct provision. And that’s something I definitely support.”

Leonie Kerins, CEO of Doras Luimní, urged support for the event adding “This is a fantastic community-based initiative that helps to raise awareness of the challenges people living in Direct Provision face while also doing something very practical to address the situation.  We hope the people of Limerick will come out and support this event, which brings people together for a great night and for a great cause.” 
 

For more info on Every Child is Your Child go here.

For more stories on fundraising dinners go here.

 

 

Pictures: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick

 

 

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.