31.01.2024
Thank You – Let’s Keep Going: Fundraising Campaign Hits Halfway Mark
Dublin and Glendalough’s Shine a Light for the Diocese of Jerusalem appeal has almost reached the halfway point. The appeal, which is raising vital funds for Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, got underway in mid–October shortly after the outbreak of war in Gaza. It was officially launched at the beginning of Advent. In that short time your generous donations have amounted to almost €125,000.
“This is a brilliant result and shows that we are well on the way to our target of €250,000. Well done and thank you to everyone who has given so generously,” Archbishop Michael Jackson commented. “From the beginning, we have always said: No donation is too small. In less than two months, we have found that all donations mount up significantly. Again: Congratulations to everyone.”
Suffering continues in Gaza. Children, women and men continue to die. The human and humanitarian need escalates daily. Donations to our appeal are still coming in every day so it is clear that you continue to have faith in our efforts to support our partners in the Diocese of Jerusalem. Therefore we are extending the lifespan of the appeal through Lent. It was due to conclude on February 2 2024.
We have been asked by the Diocese of Jerusalem to focus on the reconstruction of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City – specifically the repair or replacement of the solar panels which Dublin and Glendalough had raised funds for in 2014. This helps ensure continuity of energy supply which is essential for the hospital to operate. We will also support Al Ahli’s outreach to children who have been traumatised by war, both physically and psychologically, and those living with cancer – two services which the diocese had planned to expand immediately prior to the current war. The hospital’s cancer centre has been damaged and the number children traumatised continues to grow.
“Solar energy, cancer care, children’s trauma – these are all areas we in Dublin and Glendalough and beyond can relate to. I seek your cooperation in this campaign which tangibly and visibly links our two dioceses around need and response,” Archbishop Jackson said.
Keep an eye out next week for details of the second phase of the Shine a Light appeal which will run throughout Lent 2024. There will be new ways to donate and ideas for fundraising and we are asking every person in every parish, school and institution in the dioceses to get involved. Together all our donations will have a huge impact.
You can continue to donate by bank transfer: to Diocesan Funds of Dublin and Glendalough No 1 A/C Current Account, Bank of Ireland, 2 COLLEGE GREEN DUBLIN 2 IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, BIC: BOFIIE2D. Cheques may be sent to Diocesan Offices of Dublin and Glendalough, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67.