Local charity worker urges Westmeath to support Ireland's largest fundraising campaign

This week marks the start of Ireland's largest fundraising campaign, the Trócaire Lenten Appeal, which will see more than a million Trócaire boxes reach households and schools across the country.

A Westmeath Trócaire worker is appealing to people of his home county to get involved in the campaign, which will allow Trócaire to help more than 2 million of the poorest and most vulnerable people across the world over the coming year.

Trócaire's 2019 Lenten Appeal highlights how the loss of land in the developing world is leading to devastating consequences for millions of families.

"Land is such an important factor in combating poverty. It allows people to grow food to feed their families and to make a living, and it offers much-needed safety and stability for children.

"Sadly though, for many reasons, land and homes are being taken from millions of families across the developing world and means they are facing hunger, the threat of violence as well as a lack of access to education and basic medical care as they struggle to survive."

This year, the Lent box tells this story through three young girls.

Maria is from Guatemala, where vulnerable communities are being violently evicted by large businesses and left with nothing.

In Uganda, Patricia has lost her home because her father died. Her mother, like many others, lacks any basic rights to her land simply because she is a woman.

Maya, who now lives in a refugee camp in Lebanon, was forced to flee her home with her family to escape the Syrian war.

"Trócaire is working in more than 20 countries across the developing world and supports thousands of families like those of Maria, Maya and Patricia by providing food, shelter and medical care as well as fighting for justice and land rights," the Trócaire worker said.

"This would not be possible without the support of the public.

"We are grateful for the generous donations we receive from parishes, schools and families from Westmeath each year, and I would appeal to people across the county to support this vital campaign.

"This can be done by collecting your loose change in a Trócaire box, making a donation online or over the phone, or organising fundraising activities throughout Lent. Every donation makes a difference."

The Trócaire Lent Campaign runs from Ash Wednesday, March 6, to Easter Sunday, April 21.

Trócaire boxes are available from local parishes, by visiting www.trocaire.org or by phoning 1850 408 408.