An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 39 FuchSia appeal launch by SGT WAyNE FITzGERALD O n 30th June 2015, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE) in conjunction with the Defence Forces launched their 7th annual Fuchsia appeal in Ceannt bks, DFTC, Curragh Camp. The ONE requires serious funding on an ongoing basis, in the region of €600,000 per year to help fund the three residential homes and two drop-in centres around the country. The Fuchsia appeal has gradually grown from its inception in 2009, raising initially €14,000 to over €40,000 per an- num in recent years. The Fuchsia was chosen as their fundraising emblem, a badge of remembrance and a symbol to honour those currently serving in the De- fence Forces as it is widely grown throughout Ireland and is commonly known as Deora Dé or God's Tears in the West of Ireland. Launching the appeal, Ollie O'Connor, Chief Executive of ONE said, "The Fuchsia appeal is vital for the organisation. It enables us to help former colleagues who are having a difficult time and without a home. Many of these people gave outstanding service to the State and to the United Nations and for one reason or another have not been able to make ends meet since leaving the service." At the launch Chief of Staff Lt Gen Conor O'Boyle said, "This is a crucial aspect of ONE, those that are still serv- ing recognise the work ONE does for retired ex-members of the Defence Forces. The new white paper on defence has a veteran's policy in it, and it is really important that these veterans' are recognised." The chief finished by saying, "I encourage you to continue what you do." The main drive of the appeal took place during the month of July, which is the month of the National Day of Remembrance. you can still help this very worthwhile and rewarding charity, which would certainly benefit from serving members of the Defence Forces, who may make a voluntary donation of 50 cent per week (€2 per month) deducted at source from your pay role. Retired members in receipt of DF pension can also make a voluntary contribution of €2 per month deducted at source. There are many ways to donate visit www.oneconnect.ie - And remember "No donation is considered too small and all are welcome." Pictured l-r: Peter McGlynn, Ollie O'Connor (CEO ONE), Senator Lorraine Higgins (Labour), Tpr Jessica Slevin, Tpr Kevin Miller (both 1 ACS), Lt Gen Conor O'Boyle (COS) and Peter Byrne. Photo by: Sgt Mick Burke, PR Branch The Minister for Defence Simon Coveney TD also called into the ONE HQ on the morning of the launch to lend his support. He is pictured here with (left) Ollie O'Connor, Chief Executive of ONE, and (right) Paddy Rooney (Chairman ONE). Photo by: Cpl Colum Lawlor, 105 Sqn

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