News

Charity gets €10,000 from anonymous businessman

September 23rd, 2016 11:50 AM

By Southern Star Team

Edith Wilkins

Share this article

A leading Cork businessman – who wishes to remain anonymous – has pledged €10,000 to a Cork charity if it can raise  €10,000 or more from the public. 

A LEADING Cork businessman – who wishes to remain anonymous – has pledged €10,000 to a Cork charity if it can raise  €10,000 or more from the public. 

The huge appeal is being launched though the Cork Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a lifetime member, on behalf of the Edith Wilkins Trust.

Edith launched the appeal for her charity in India for children so badly violated of their human rights it’s ‘incomprehensible’, she says. 

At a time when our children have just returned to school her charity struggles to save the lives of hundreds of children in India.

The Edith Wilkins Street Children’s Foundation India (EWSCFI) was officially launched in 2003.   

She returned home to Ireland in 2010 after 30 years as a volunteer abroad, the majority of her time being spent in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Darjeeling. 

She now resides in Crosshaven, but returns to India frequently and continues to advise on the programmes of the foundation from its office in Carrigaline. 

The charity has an expert team of professionals and volunteers running the various programmes in India and with partners in neighbouring countries such as Nepal.  

It also has a link to UCC which sends International Development Studies students on a six months placement annually.

‘The Earthquake in Nepal last year affected us very badly but because we are only minutes from the border of Nepal, our staff worked both in Nepal and Darjeeling, bringing immediate relief,’ said Edith.

‘It has resulted in a huge increase in children trafficked and orphaned coming across the border to Darjeeling. 

‘Following the major earthquakes in Nepal, there were further minor quakes, followed by massive landslides. 

‘As a result, our budget was severely affected and we now find ourselves in a serious plight for money to run our shelter homes education and vocational training programmes.

To donate, contact Office Unit 4, Drake Centre, Carrigaline or AIB, Douglas Rd, account no 21439006, sort code 934348

Share this article