CEO, Brian Hanratty, a member of the National Famine Memorial Committee said “The government’s decision to hold this annual event is to be commended. The Great Famine - or An Gorta Mor - was Ireland’s greatest humanitarian disaster. In remembering it, we also remember that in the world today, over 850 million people go hungry. As Minister O’Cuiv stated, this solemn event will stimulate peoples’ consciousness regarding the challenges and causes of hunger in the world today”.
“Ireland’s own potato famine in the 1840’s has embedded in our DNA a legacy that has resulted in a significant national recognition of food security globally, an understanding of the importance of humanitarian relief and a recognition of the right for everyone to achieve a sustainable existence.”
Hanratty added that Skibbereen is a very fitting choice for the inaugural event, as the town and its hinterland suffered greatly during the famine. Today, local volunteers operate a GORTA charity shop in the town, supported by the people of the area.
“Not only does this demonstrate their empathy for the famine endured by their forefathers, but in a modern context, it epitomizes the spirit of ‘Active Citizenship’ and compassion for those struggling to overcome hunger in the 21st century,” concluded Hanratty.
ENDS
Brian Hanratty, CEO, Office (01) 661 5522 | ceo@gorta.org
Adrienne Dunne, Manager-Marketing and Communications, Office (01) 661 5522, Mobile: (087) 786 2868 | adrienne.dunne@gorta.org
EDITORS NOTES
GORTA-The Freedom from Hunger Council of Ireland
• Gorta is Ireland’s longest established overseas aid agency and has been tackling the issues of food security throughout the developing world with the support of tens of thousands of donors nationally since 1965. Gorta’s name meaning “famine” acknowledges its close association with famine both in the past and where it exists around the world today.
• Gorta’s mission is to work for a world free from the injustices of chronic hunger, poverty and disease, having special regard for the plight of children and the empowerment of women. Gorta establishes partnerships with local communities, and supports local leadership to ensure their needs are met in a sustainable way.
• Programmes and projects supported by Gorta are located predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the need is greatest. Their objective is to help people become self-sufficient in food production and income generation thereby creating a secure future for generations to come. Gorta supports agricultural activities including livestock rearing, irrigation schemes and other water-based projects. The support of education, healthcare initiatives and income generating activities also forms part of Gorta’s work.
• Gorta was the first overseas development organisation to be set up in Ireland. It was established by the Department of Agriculture in 1965 at the request of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and has since become an independent NGO. Since its inception, Gorta has channeled the contributions of Irish people to over 2,000 projects in the developing.
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