Italian business community to support One Family
Club di Dublino Limited – an Italian business community association formed to promote better interaction and friendship within the Italian community in Ireland and between the Italian community and Irish people – are hosting their annual charity fundraising dinner at Trinity College Dublin on Thursday 22 October. The guest speaker at the event is Senator David Norris and the Honorary President of Club di Dublino, H.E. Italian Ambassador Mr Valerio Augusto Astraldi, will be guest of honour.
Funds raised at this year’s event will support two charities, One Family (formerly Cherish and recently amalgamated with Gingerbread Ireland) and ACET (AIDS Care Education and Training).
One Family is Ireland’s leading organisation supporting people parenting alone and sharing parenting. Times are tough economically for us all at present but even more so for those living on the margins of society.
Funds raised will go to the Askonefamily* Christmas helpline which will have extended hours to support one-parent families in this emotionally and financially difficult season. Askonefamily* provides a unique service, offering both practical information and emotional support, to meet the diverse needs of one parent families in Ireland.
Karen Kiernan, Director, One Family, said ‘One Family are honoured and delighted to have been chosen to benefit from funds raised at this years Club di Dublino Annual Charity Dinner. We represent one-parent families in Ireland, many of whom are living in, or in danger of living in, poverty.’
To date there has been a 20% increase in the number of calls to Askonefamily* helpline this year. Many of these calls come from parents whose financial situations have changed due to loss of jobs and income. They are looking for information on social welfare benefits and entitlements and for support in their family life, as they face more challenging times. Others are looking for a listening ear as they negotiate the changes in their own and their children’s lives, following a relationship breakdown. Some parents may be considering returning to education or employment after time spent raising their family.
Speaking at the announcement of this year’s event Mr Aldo Aletti, President, Club di Dublino said ‘Club di Dublino thrives on the voluntary commitment of its board and members and the Italian community and their friends in Ireland. There are many synergies between Italian and Irish people and both nationalities are rich in culture. We are delighted to have Senator David Norris as guest speaker at this year’s Annual Charity Dinner and hope that the event attracts significant funds in these difficult economic times to support those in need.’
The Club di Dublino Annual Charity Dinner takes place in the Dining Hall, Trinity College Dublin on Thursday 22 October. Tickets priced at €120 per individual or €1200 per table of 10 are available from Patrizia Ribano at UniCredit Bank Ireland plc, La Touche House, IFSC, Dublin 1. Tel. 01 675 0702 or email Patrizia.Ribano@unicreditgroup.ie.