Over the past few years we in District 105-I have made determined efforts to east the plight of Street Children throughout Ireland North & South.

In the past we have being guided by such organizations as Simon as to the greatest need. We focus on what we see as achievable goals.  

We have been able to provide hats, scarves, sleeping bags, haversacks etc., which were sourced as the most competitive prices available while at the same time not accepting inferior products.  The project has been so successful that it was adopted by Multi-District 105 UK and Ireland with guidance from our District.

Clubs generously responded to appeals, which were sent to them with the approval of Cabinet to finance this very worthwhile project.

A distribution system with main centres in Belfast, Cork, Dublin & Galway has been set up to ensure that everything purchased went to those most in need as speedily as possible.   For instance sleeping bags collected from the supplier on Wednesday afternoon were being slept in that night on the streets of our cities.

During Lionistic Year 2009-2010 the atrocious weather conditions over December and January emphasized the need for this project. A special appeal was sent out by District officer Lion Paddy Cahill to Clubs to help where they could.   Needless to say Irish Lions were not found wanting and among the returns were a €2000.00 grant from the An Post Project and a personal donation of €1500.00.  Over the year a total €12.500 was spend by Lions supporting this project.

So far this Lionistic year we have purchased and distributed €6,500.00 worth of goods and money is still coming in.  Again the severe weather with heavy snow this year highlights the importance of this project, which brings a little comfort to those most in need. 

It is useful to remember that some of the homeless children we try to help are on the streets because they feel safer sleeping rough than in there own homes where they may be subject to severe abuse. 

The bigger problem of street children needs addressing at national level. In the meantime we endeavour to do what we can to ease the distress and indeed the horror some find themselves in. 

For further information please contact Lion Paddy Cahill at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it