We
live in an imbalanced world – a world which allows both
massive waste and chronic need. In one area of the world there
will be a surplus of product and in another a huge shortage of
the same commodity. Global Hand seeks to address this problem.
Their goal is to link people and organisations who have available/unwanted
goods with non-profitmaking organizations who need them, and with
those who can provide transport. Epiphany’s “Arc”
in Romania was furnished and equipped through our partnership
with Global Hand.
Every day, goods which could ease suffering in one part of the
world are destroyed in another. Global Hand wants to see these
goods reach those who really need them, and through its sophisticated
website links the “have nots” with the “haves”.
A typical scenario is seen in the recent work of Global Hand
in Haiti, where in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake
they have done tremendous work in matching up corporate donors
to the needs of NGOs working on the ground. In the coming months
a visit of Global Hand representatives to Haiti is planned, with
the dual aims of seeing for themselves the work that has taken
place and assessing future requirements.
Rejoice
Gospel Choir
Rejoice
Gospel Choir was formed in November, 1999, inspired by the vision
of Joan O’Gorman. Based in Ballina, Western Ireland, the
choir is led by vocal expert Lavinia Gilmartin, who has been an
important factor in their success so far. As well as performing
regularly in their own church of St. Patrick’s, Ballina,
the choir has travelled extensively throughout Ireland and parts
of Europe and has appeared on national television.
The choir first became involved with the Epiphany Trust in 2005
when they offered to accompany Child Action International patron
Jessy Dixon for two concerts during his European tour. Since that
summer, the 50-strong choir has been supporting our work wholeheartedly.
In
February, 2006, the group travelled to the North West of England
to perform concerts in Preston and Warrington in aid of Epiphany’s
projects in Romania. The concerts were a great success, raising
over £1,000 and being very well received in both venues.
The choir decided that there was more to be done. Later in the
year, they organized a trip to Romania to see the Lugoj orphanage
first-hand and to bring their brand of the Gospel to the region.
During their visit to the orphanage, members of the choir learnt
of our proposed project near Lugoj – a sister house modeled
on the “Arc”. Like its counterpart in Sinaia, it aims
to teach young adults the necessary skills for independent living.
The choir decided to adopt the project and raise funds for its
construction. Amazingly, within just two months, the Irish group
had collected over 10,000 euros and by spring of the following
year the total stood at an impressive 32,000 euros.
A
plot of land overlooking the village of Stuica was purchased,
and work began on the new building. The shell was completed in
late autumn, 2009 and we await the funding for the internal fittings.
Meanwhile, during a further visit to Romania in spring 2008,
some members of the choir and other friends of the Trust from
Ballina installed a complete playground for use by around 200
children in the Lugoj orphanage. The twelve volunteers worked
in appalling weather, ankle deep in mud at times, and, with the
assistance of a hired JCB, completed the installation in a week.
Their Herculean effort delighted all in Lugoj.
We
live in an imbalanced world – a world which allows both
massive waste and chronic need. In one area of the world there
will be a surplus of product and in another a huge shortage of
the same commodity. Global Hand seeks to address this problem..JPG)
Rejoice
Gospel Choir was formed in November, 1999, inspired by the vision
of Joan O’Gorman. Based in Ballina, Western Ireland, the
choir is led by vocal expert Lavinia Gilmartin, who has been an
important factor in their success so far. As well as performing
regularly in their own church of St. Patrick’s, Ballina,
the choir has travelled extensively throughout Ireland and parts
of Europe and has appeared on national television..JPG)
In
February, 2006, the group travelled to the North West of England
to perform concerts in Preston and Warrington in aid of Epiphany’s
projects in Romania. The concerts were a great success, raising
over £1,000 and being very well received in both venues.
The choir decided that there was more to be done. Later in the
year, they organized a trip to Romania to see the Lugoj orphanage
first-hand and to bring their brand of the Gospel to the region.
A
plot of land overlooking the village of Stuica was purchased,
and work began on the new building. The shell was completed in
late autumn, 2009 and we await the funding for the internal fittings.
