The Taiwan Ireland Association committee donated thermal clothing to an award nominated charity for homeless and people in need, A Lending Hand on 18th December 2021. The thermal underwear, socks and pants will be distributed to the ones unfortunate to live on the Irish streets this winter. The Taiwanese community and our friends in Ireland responded generously to the appeal with some notable donators including a senior figure in Taiwanese community and well rooted in Ireland; Dr. Princeton Lee a well-respected eye surgeon in Dublin and Sligo; Deputy of TIA Mr. JJ O’Connor, Mr. Julien Thibault (Mimiko Taiwanese and Asian online store) who donated Christmas hampers to raise funds and other generous TIA members. This fundraiser is for homeless charity A Lending Hand (2 parts essential donation and butcher account) and Irish Refugee Council.
Since October, homeless charities have been calling on Dublin City Council to urgently implement its cold weather initiative to save lives. Temperatures in winter dips to around 3 degrees at night. TIA Chairperson Dr. Angel Cheng personally handed over those essential items to Ms. Keira Gill in Coolock Dublin, who leads and coordinates efforts for A Lending Hand. Angel was surrounded by other members of the board, JJ O’Connor, Brooks Chen (Event Lead), and Julien Thibault; who were keen to listen to Keira’s hands on experience and understanding of the current homeless crisis. The great front-line work that is being carried by a Lending Hand is recognised and they were nominated for Volunteer Ireland Awards 2021.
As Angel expressed her words which resonated with all present on the day: “for the Taiwanese community in Ireland, we feel that Ireland is a home to us and we are fortunate to have shelters within our own communities, friends and families. This donation is important to us as we cannot bear the thought of someone not having the same sense of shelter, security or belonging”. Taiwan as a democratic nation, and its citizens abroad share values of integration and equality in opportunities for all. This donation is part of a series of continuous efforts carried throughout the pandemic to other causes as well, particularly through the Taiwan Can help campaign by donating PPE to other vulnerable groups. “The generosity in actions is what drawn us to work with A lending Hand. This is what we have in common between Ireland and Taiwan. And it is one of our ways to show gratitude”. We can hear other's wishes for the Cloths of Heaven and we thread softly on their dreams.
As Keira was sharing the harrowing stories of the people she helps, it became clear to the TIA representatives that the donation will make a direct and unaltered impact to those who needs it. In the Christmas period, Keira and her team have managed to provide Christmas food via butcher account system to about 50 families, who otherwise would not have had the chance. This is in addition to the continuous support she provides all year, every year for the last 7 years.
Yet, there are many other ways to help. Keira’s vision is to break the cycle of precarity and sustain a virtuous cycle afterwards: “Homelessness does not stop by giving someone’s a home. Needs are in mental care, addiction care, upskilling and more to create an environment that restores dignity and self-worth; that tackles the causing effects of homelessness and creates a future out of precarity by building a supporting environment that fosters a sense of belonging and contribution to society”. Keira thanks TIA organising the fundraiser at difficult time, and she welcomes volunteers and future collaboration with Taiwan Ireland Association on creating possibilities for the people in need.
After Keira’s candid sharing of her own upbringing in difficult circumstances, soldiering to obtain an education from Trinity College Dublin; and demonstrating her dedication to a cause that has affected her own friends, there was no doubt that the TIA donation was placed to the right hand, A true Lending Hand. To conclude the conversation, Keira’s added to the quote “It takes a village to raise a child; It takes an integrated community to end homelessness”. Taiwanese community is integrated into the society in Ireland. TIA is glad, proud and humbled to be part of the communities that support a sustainable solution to homelessness in Ireland. We are looking forward to assisting Keira and her team in 2022.
