By Paddy McCarthy
Before I start my Out and About column, I just want to tell our readers that The Irish Examiner is offering free full page ads to any organization who would like to get the word out on this horrible virus Coronavirus that has shaking the whole world and nobody is escaping this.
I know that there are some fabulous people out there who volunteer their time at a moment like this and want to help. We here at The Irish Examiner USA are not here to make any profit from anything that is associated with what the Irish community is trying to do in these desperate times and, believe me, we do appreciate all you are all doing and we would like to congratulate you all for giving your time.
So that is why we want to help you by getting the word out at no expense to anybody and also for all you are doing, it’s just brilliant.
Now one of the volunteers that came to my attention is Shane Humphries who I have to say never looks for anything, but that is why I want to highlight him for being an outstanding Irishman who is always there to help. This is what he has said: “If anyone is in need of financial help due to being laid off at this time please do not hesitate to contact us thru the website www.slainte2020.org. Applications can be downloaded and submitted on line. All applications for assistance are treated with the strictest confidentiality. If you are still working and can make a contribution that would be most welcome.
“Finally if anyone is interested in temporary employment in building/property management I have contacts who are hiring. Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to me at Dubnorth@aol.com.”
Ath Cliath Abu agus Nigh do Lamh, Shane Now I have to say this in fun… not to bad for a Dubliner huh!
You’ve probably seen this already and I have to admit that this is just a great thought. There is a wonderful Irish expression, “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – There’s no strength without unity. Slainte 2020 aim to harness the collective reach of well-known Irish organizations to maximize our fundraising potential and provide financial relief for Irish individuals and families adversely impacted the COVID-19 crisis. They want to keep our communities together and support them by alleviating some of the stress and anxiety during a time economic uncertainty.
Sláinte 2020 is a partnership consisting of The Aisling Irish Center, Emerald Isle immigration Center, New York GAA, New York Irish Center and United Irish Counties, five long-established Irish organizations that have solid reputations, strong track records and are well known and trusted by members of the Irish community.
This initiative is also being supported by community leaders and a large network of civic and social organizations with close ties to Irish communities across the tri-state region that will help publicize the fund and identify individuals and families in need.
The Slainte 2020 Steering Committee consists of: Caitriona Clarke (Chairperson, Aisling Irish Community Center), Siobhan Dennehy (Director, Emerald Isle Immigration Center), Sandra Feeney-Charles (Executive Director, Aisling Irish Community Center), Paul Finnegan (Director, New York Irish Center), Shane Humphries (Attorney-at-Law), Cyril Hughes (President, Tara Circle Inc.) and Michael O’Reilly (First VP United Irish Counties Association).That is what I call a United team and only for the likes of them this would not happen and they are always there to help.
Now where would yea get it? We might fight and disagree on things, but we are one when it comes to this. It’s great that we all work together helping each other out – again I love that we’re all on the same team with no egos. Now that is what I am talking about.
For me, well as the song goes the PUB has got no beer. Well it’s something I can do without in these terrible times but as as soon as it is all over, I hope ahh what can I say, I better not at this time you know what I mean!
See you all again WHEN I am Out&About again…