HELPING OTHERS: A cheque for €900 was donated from The Friary to Troc‡áire. Pictured were: Fr Antony Jukes (OFM), Fr Liam McCarthy (OFM), Sue McDonough (Troc‡áire) and Ann Marie O'Leary. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Lives are truly changed thanks to the Killarney community who helped raise €900 for Trocáire.

Locals gave generously to the fundraiser which was organised before Christmas, by buying a ‘Gift of Love’ such as chicks, soaps and solar panels ranging from €8 to €15 which will help people in Kenya, Ethiopia, Honduras and South Sudan.

Larger gifts such as ‘Get a family Farming’ for €200, ‘Terrific Trees’ for €85 and ‘Create a Buzz’ for €65, assist communities in rural areas of Central America and Africa.

Their generosity now means lives in those countries have been changed, Sue McDonough, a volunteer for Trocáire, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

“It was the first time the fundraiser was held in Killarney,” Sue said.

“I lived in Zambia for 20 years so I have insight into their lives.”

She added that on behalf of Trocaire she would like to thank all of the generous patrons and parishioners in Killarney who have bought small the ‘Gifts of Love’.

“Our sincere thanks also to Fr Liam McCarthy for permitting the project and all the team for implementing, documenting and collecting all funds in the Friary office in Killarney, which was a very busy period leading up to Christmas.”