The coming of the 1990s saw a considerable improvement in the Irish economy and many people became more affluent and prosperous during that decade. As people realised that they now had enough for themselves, they also became aware that there were many countries where extreme poverty still existed and quite a number of Irish people became involved in helping African, Asian and Eastern European countries in various ways. Donegal was no exception and in every parish people made genuine efforts to help the poorer people of the world but very often in an independent way. In 1997 a group of concerned people met in Letterkenny with a view to coordinating the many projects people had in mind and to exchange ideas on how best to help. Thus was born H.O.P.E. International.

The initials H.O.P.E. mean Helping Orphaned People Everywhere and since its foundation, H.O.P.E. have been helping the poorer regions of the world quite consistantly. From humble beginnings, H.O.P.E. now have their own store at the Bus Eireann yard in Stranorlar and their own truck for transportation of humanitarian aid to those in need of it. Very often additional trucks are loaned to H.O.P.E. when extra transport is required.

Michael McDermot from Cappry giving out sweets in the Clunet Clinic in Lasi

In the past H.O.P.E. International have dispatched cargoes of aid to Honduras and other areas where world disasters have occurred, but it is towards the Romanian cause that H.O.P.E. concentrates its main effort. at present. The plight of the poor and particularly the children in orphanages in Romania is a very sad sight. Orphan is perhaps a wrong name. It 's not that the parents are dead, but they simply do not have the money to keep and rear the children themselves and are obliged to send them into these terrible places. In the rural areas there is no running water supply and consequently no showers, no flush toilets, no toilet paper, no detergents, - hygiene in such places is impossible. Food is always in short supply and the same food is repeatedly served in meagre quantities. Important vitamins are missing and this fact over a long period leads to malnutrition and mental handicap.

Romanian winters are much colder than ours and good heating systems are vitally important in these orphanages to ensure that no one dies from below freezing temperatures or hypothermia. Unfortunately this is not the case. Members of H.O.P.E International have visited many orphanages, especially in and around LASI (pronounced Yash) in Eastern Romania and have always encountered problems with the heating systems. Very often these ancient systems are impossible to repair or replace. They are of Russian origin and since the collapse of the communist system, parts cannot be obtained. Complete renewal of the heating systems is the only answer and this requires a lot of money.

Some children that have found H.O.P.E.

If Romanian winters are colder than ours, it is also true that Romanian summers are much warmer than ours. Most Romanian people have no money to buy food. They have to grow their own food. In Eastern Romania the land is very fertile but in Summer the temperatures are too high for the growth of crops. The Summer of the year 2000 was no exception. Temperatures of 39 degrees C to 41 degrees C have parched large areas of crops dry and useless just when a harsh, hungry and cold winter is beginning.

We in H.O.P.E. International feel we must help these people and help them now. We know that you, as you read this article, agree with us and are willing to help us. Perhaps you would like to fill a form for a standing order, pledging say £5 or £10 per month towards the relief of these unfortunate people. A Standing Order mandate may be obtained from any Ulster Bank branch.

Details :- Ulster Bank, Branch - Raphoe, Sort Code 98 - 62 - 40 for the Credit of Romanian Relief, Account No. 52742061.

H.O.P.E. International is an entirely voluntary organisation and no commission or expenses are deducted at any stage. The donation goes 100% to the cause intended. You can post the form to Fergus Cleary, Glassley, Convoy, Co. Donegal and your donation will be acknowledged with gratitude. You can of course cancel this standing order at any time.