Mags Gargan
Kumba (7) from Sierra Leone will feature in one million homes as Trócaire boxes go nationwide. Launching the Lenten appeal, Trócaire warns of 'a lost generation' across conflict-affected countries. Vigilant parishes have foiled an attempt by fraudsters to take advantage of the Trócaire Lenten box appeal.
Some homes in two parishes in Co. Offaly were visited by individuals in mid-February claiming to be involved with Trócaire’s Lenten campaign. They delivered Trócaire boxes to the door and left instructions that they would call back after Lent to collect the boxes. However, no donations were made as the parishes and diocese involved were alerted by Trócaire and according to the overseas aid agency they “remain vigilant”.
“We really appreciate the support and goodwill we receive from the public during Lent and we hope that no-one was upset or inconvenienced by these incidents,” Fintan Maher, Trócaire’s Director of Outreach, told this paper.
“We would like to remind people that each Trócaire box contains clear instructions about the ways supporters can return their box after Lent. Boxes can be returned to local schools or parishes, or cheques or postal orders can be sent to Trócaire offices in Maynooth, Cork, Belfast or Dublin.”