David Moloney, Deputy CEO, Bóthar, Old Clare Street, Limerick

DEAR SIR: I would like to take this opportunity to thank your readers for the fantastic support they gave to Bóthar’s recent Matching Grant Appeal. Without the support of individuals, communities and businesses throughout Co Mayo, Bóthar simply wouldn’t be able to continue helping to raise struggling families above the poverty line.

For those readers who aren’t aware what Matching Grant Appeal is, one of our donors pledged to give €25,000 if it was matched by donations from other Bóthar supporters.

We first called on individuals to support the campaign, but we fell short on the first deadline. Wanting to give us the full amount they had pledged, the donor agreed to extend the deadline so we could achieve our fundraising target and we did it.

To date, Bóthar has raised €53,560.50 to fund its programmes in Blouberg, Dendron and South Africa, where it’s providing education and a sustainable source of income using honey bees, for children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Bóthar’s work is making a real difference, but we simply could not do it without the help of our amazing donor network, who once again showed how committed they are to the work that we do.

If you’d like to find out more please visit our website, www.bothar.org, and sign up for our quarterly newsletter, The Bó Vine.