05.08.2025
Calary Garden Party Raises Funds for Nairobi Street Children
The people of Calary Parish in the Diocese of Glendalough continued their support of Sr Mary Killeen’s work with street children in Nairobi in a new way this summer.
Over many years the parish has raised funds for the Mukuru Promotion Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, of which Sr Mary is the director. This July they held a magnificent garden party in the grounds of Calary Church to celebrate St Mary’s 40 years of working with the children in the Mukuri slums. The event was a huge success and has so far has raised €5588.80 for the Mukuru Promotion Centre.
The event was attended by Sr Mary who spoke of the poverty and dangers endured by the children on a daily basis. The MPC takes in and looks after as many children as possible. Most learn a trade and go on to become breadwinners for their families.
Calary usually holds a concert and supper for MPC so the garden party was a new venture and one which Calary’s Derek Neilson describes as daunting given the vagaries of the Irish weather.
“However, the event was a huge success and we would like to thank both those who came and joined us on the day and also other friends who were unable to make it but have sent donations,” he said. “All donations go directly to provide the basic needs of the children – food, hot water, school books and other essentials.”
He paid tribute to all who provided the afternoon tea and to the Stedfast Brass Band whose talented musicians entertained those present.
You can learn more about the work of MPC here: https://www.mercymukuru.co.ke/