PRESS RELEASE
12 November 2010
Claudia Carroll and schoolchildren launch Trocaire’s Global Gifts in a blaze of lights
Former Fair City star turned author Claudia Carroll has asked people to add a new tradition to their celebrations this Christmas for overseas development agency Trocaire at the launch of its Global Gift Campaign.
Claudia was joined by schoolchildren at a dark hideaway in Dublin’s Abbey Theatre to check out solar lights from Uganda, one of Trocaire’s gifts this year.
“Christmas is a time for family traditions that have special meaning and memories for us all,” said Claudia. “Like pulling out the old Christmas decorations or getting the cards for our Christmas card list – Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them. This Christmas our traditions can also improve the life of a family overseas in the coming year.”
Starting a new Christmas tradition of buying a Trocaire Global Gift means for example, a Ugandan family will be able to light up their home with a new solar light.
In northern Uganda, the sun sets around 6.30pm and families are forced to use smoky and dangerous kerosene lamps that cause house fires and health problems. Solar lights are a healthier, safer and cheaper alternative for families that also allow children to study after dark.
Trocaire has sold almost 700,000 Global Gifts since they first went on sale eleven years ago and during this time it says they have changed the lives of millions of people.
“Starting a new tradition of helping someone have a better life can be the ultimate act of goodwill this Christmas,” said Claudia.
To purchase a Global Gift log on to www.trocaire.org/globalgift, call 1850 408 408 (0800 912 1200 NI) or drop in to the Trocaire centre at 12 Cathedral Street, Dublin; 9 Cook Street, Cork or 50 King Street, Belfast or any Avoca or Veritas store.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
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About this year’s Trocaire Global Gifts
- How Global Gift works
Choose and buy your gift. You’ll receive an illustrated card and Christmas tree decoration. Sign the card and send it to your family or friends. Your donation buys that gift in the developing world. The gift helps families and communities in real need.
- How Global Gifts help
Trocaire’s Christmas gifts raise money for, and awareness of, Trocaire’s long-term development work. Over the past 37 years Trocaire has funded programmes in agriculture, skills training, healthcare, education and support for human rights. Trocaire Global Gifts began in 2000 and since then the organisation has sold 686,500 Global Gifts that have helped people across 60 countries.
Further information:
David O’Hare, Press Officer, Trócaire
Office: 028 9080 8030
Mobile: 079 0005 3884
http://www.trocaire.org
