The third annual ‘Every Child Is Your Child’ (ECIYC) ball will take place at Thomond Park on Saturday April 13.
The 2019 gala is a Masquerade Ball, and will include an impressive line-up of musical performances, a live art auction, and a range of sponsored raffle prizes. All funds raised will be used to support parents and children living in Direct Provision.
“In 2018, 30% of the people awaiting a decision on their international protection application were children” said ECIYC founder Donnah Vuma “With a weekly allowance of €21.60 per person, and restrictions on the right to work for adults, parents of school-going children are severely limited in their ability to cover essentials like school uniforms, hygiene products, and public transport fees”.
In 2018, ECIYC’s annual fundraising ball raised €3500. According to Donnah Vuma this money helped purchase stationery, uniforms, and books for 60 school students in Direct Provision. It also paid school-related expenses such as book rental fees and locker fees, extra-curricular activities fees, and transport.
“With the help of our supporters we also undertake a range of other activities” added Ms Vuma. “In 2018 we co-hosted a summer camp for children from the Knockalisheen Direct Provision centre at the Moyross Youth Academy Centre with the Céim ar Chéim team. And we held a “backpack drive” for the donation of back-to-school items, including shirts, trousers, skirts, socks, backpacks and stationery items, which we distributed to almost 600 children living in 12 Direct Provision centres around the country”.
Performers at the April 13 ECIYC Masquerade Ball will include Souletiquette who are one of Dublin’s best up and coming labels. The line-up will also see a host of other performers, including the talented Amy Rowlette and Sinead Toomey, on stage over the course of the night.
In previous years the live art auction has proven to be a huge success at the ECIYC ball. This year it will feature works by renowned artists such as Paulin Goggin, Jean Ryan Hakizimana, and Kate O’Shea.
The event is being supported by a range of business and other organisations including the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, Doras Luimní and Limerick City & County Council.
“We want people to come along to enjoy themselves in Thomond Park on April 13” said Donnah. “We’re also asking the public and businesses to donate towards the purchase of tickets for people in direct provision as they cannot themselves afford nights out like this.”
Doras Luimní chairperson John Lannon urged support for the event adding “We’re delighted to once again support this event. Not only does it raise awareness of the challenges people living in Direct Provision face, it also helps address some of these challenges in a practical way. We hope the people of Limerick will come out and support this event, as it promises to be great night.”
Tickets for the ECIYC Masquerade Ball at Thomond Park are on sale on Eventbrite or from Doras Luimni for €30.
