Trócaire has called on all its supporters across Cavan and Monaghan to return their Lenten donations as soon as possible. This year's fundraising effort will provide life-saving support to almost eight million people facing starvation in Somalia.
The country is in the midst of the worst drought in four decades which has been fuelled by climate change, and has devastated the country. Speaking to Northern Sound, David O'Hare from Trócaire pointed to the thousands of euro that was donated by people from Cavan and Monaghan last year.
He added that Trócaire is celebrating 50 years in 2023 and the Trócaire Box has now become a national icon. "Trócaire runs the main healthcare and hospital system to people in the Gedo region - an area roughly the size of Ireland. In this region, Trócaire runs four hospitals, five health centres, three TB centres, eleven primary health units and seven mobile clinics, supporting severely malnourished children and expectant mothers.
"Trócaire treats an average of 22,000 people every month at our hospitals and clinics. It is estimated that nearly half of Somalia's children are now malnourished and at least one child dies every day. The number of malnourished children presenting at Trócaire health facilities has more than trebled in recent months.
"The people of Cavan and Monaghan have always been amazingly supportive of our Lenten Appeal, both raising over €19,000 each for the appeal last year, and I want to thank them for their continued solidarity with those we support in Somalia and elsewhere," said Mr O'Hare.
