Rebecca Strives To Keep Christmas Alive For Tír Na nÓg Orphanage Children

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Rebecca Poultney.

A TRALEE woman was so inspired by an award-winning documentary that she decided to launch her own fundraiser to give back to an African community this Christmas.

Rebecca Poultney, a second year student in University College Cork, has created the ‘Strive To Keep Christmas Alive’ campaign with funds raised going to the Tír na nÓg Orphanage in Tanzania.

The orphanage was founded by Tralee woman Louise Quill who was the subject of the award-winning ‘Kilimanjaro Mama’.

“We are all living through unprecedented times, but for these orphaned children, they are living a life of uncertainty,” said former Presentation Secondary School Tralee student Rebecca.

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“I believe they all deserve the gift of hope and happiness this Christmas because otherwise, will they know it’s Christmas time at all? I have been inspired by Louise’s story and her dogged determination to continue to improve the lives of these children,” continued Rebecca.

“She really has proved how one woman can make a difference.  After watching the heart-wrenching yet inspirational documentary, I just could not ignore the deep and dark realities. These children need as much help and support as possible.”

All proceeds raised from Rebecca’s gofundme page will go towards the buying of Christmas presents in the form of essential items such as shoes, sock, clothes, towels, and toothbrushes. All remaining money will go towards the development of essential facilities in the orphanage.

Rebecca also wrote a short poem to emphasise what she hopes the fundraiser can achieve…

“This Christmas I want their lights to burn brighter and their friendly hugs given even tighter.

May their little hearts be filled with cheer, as the staff and close friends all draw near.

The spirit of Christmas will fill the air, as the people surrounding them will really care.

Let there be an abundance of smiling faces and the giving and receiving of warm embraces.

Hopefully for a time their sadness will disappear, as peace, joy and hope replaces fear.”

To donate to Rebecca’s fundraiser, click on the following link and follow the instructions https://www.gofundme.com/f/strive-to-keep-christmas-alive