There’s a special fundraiser afoot
A Cork-based organisation has launched its annual fundraiser empowering women and young people in parts of Africa, India and Asia to live a dignified life.
The Flip Flop Appeal, by Serve in Blackrock, aims to raise vital funds for people in vulnerable communities, to train them and to develop the skills necessary for sustainable employment.
Taking its name from the footwear popular in some of the world’s poorer communities, the appeal asks the people of Cork to join one of its many in-person fundraisers or to pledge a monthly gift and become a regular donor to Serve.
Pre-Covid-19, Serve sold Fairtrade flip-flop pins made by their partners in Thailand as part of the appeal and now, with restrictions lifted, churches and businesses across the country have begun to get involved again.
Fr Gerard O’Connor, Chairperson of Serve, said: “Serve plays a pivotal role in supporting young people in Africa and India to reach their potential and flourish as family members, citizens and community activists. All of this is achieved through a strategic partnership with dynamic organisations such as Young Africa, Assumption Parish Community, and Association of People with Disabilities APD in India.”
Fr O’Connor said that in the last two months, Serve has also been able to support its partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries with humanitarian efforts.
He said: “We launched Flip Flop Appeal in 2004 and every year since then we know that when strangers come together in solidarity, our projects are invigorated.”
Salsa Cubana Cork, Suadela Bellydance, Good Day Cork and Collective Cork will all be hosting in-person fundraisers in the coming weeks and months. Donations can also be made at Natural Foods Bakery in Blackrock, the Coal Quay Farmer's Market, the Blackrock Village Farmers Market, and Mahon Point Shopping Centre.
Serve currently helps communities in India, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Philippines, and Mozambique.
The not-for-profit organisation focuses specifically on programmes and projects that help communities enhance the lives of children and young people, while recognising that gender equality is pivotal to achieving justice, equality and sustainable development.