by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK people donated more than 200 chickens to poverty stricken families in Africa this Christmas, providing them not only with a long-term food supply but also with a steady form of income.
The chickens were among the many alternative gifts purchased by Limerick people from World Vision Ireland’s Christmas catalogue.
This year the charity is aware that times are still tough for many in Ireland and with this in mind, they offered a number of life changing gifts that didn’t cost too much but could change the life of a child in the developing world.
Just €5 will buy five fruit trees for a school, providing hungry children, who may have to walk for miles to get to and from school, with nutritious fruit to eat. The school can also sell excess fruit and use the money from profits made to provide orphans and vulnerable children at the school with books and uniforms.
“A simple fruit tree is a fantastic gift for a school in the developing world. It not only provides them with nutritious food but is also a potential income generator. It is a gift that keeps on giving and can potentially change lives in the developing world,” said CEO of World Vision Ireland, Helen Keogh.
“Limerick people have always been exceptionally generous when it comes to helping others. However many people simply do not have a lot of cash to spare. At €5 for five trees, these gifts are affordable, make wonderful stocking fillers and will go a long way to making a real difference to someone’s life in the developing world,” said Helen.
