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Three Irish doctors feature among the stars of Riverdance’s 25th anniversary cast to have recorded an impressive dance compilation video in support of Trócaire’s latest appeal.
Doctors Maria Buffini, Shona Cobbe and Gillian Madders are all working on the frontline in Ireland’s hospitals, but the trio took time out of their busy schedules to record a message of support for Trócaire’s Covid-19 response in 19 of the world’s poorest countries.
Over 40 dancers from Riverdance’s troupe showcase their amazing skills in the video, which has been recorded in support of the charity’s ‘Make Your Trócaire Box Count’ appeal.
With each dancer recording their own segment in isolation, their performances feature stunning scenery from a number of Irish cities and counties, including Dublin, Belfast, Clare and Galway, as well international locations such as Sydney, New York and London.
Trócaire recently launched their urgent appeal, asking supporters to return donations from their Trócaire boxes online or over the phone. The development agency has warned that a 60% decline in donations to its Lenten Appeal has put many of its life-saving programmes at risk.
Dr Maria Buffini of Dublin’s Connolly Hospital, Dr Shona Cobbe of The Coombe Hospital, Dublin and Dr Gillian Madders of University Hospital, Galway are three Riverdancers who feature in the video.
Explaining the background to the video, which was recorded to raise awareness of Trócaire’s appeal, Dr Madders explained: “Riverdance is a proud sponsor of Trócaire and we are asking you to visit trocaire.org and make a donation today. Your support could make a world of difference.”
The charity’s biggest fundraising campaign has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many supporters unable to return their Trócaire boxes due to ongoing restrictions.
Trócaire’s Lenten Appeal raises approximately €8m each year. Two-thirds of this money comes from Trócaire boxes distributed through schools and parishes. Travel and social restrictions – including the closure of schools and parishes – means most boxes have not been returned this year.
Trócaire has warned that unless donations from the boxes are returned, a funding crisis will impact directly on the 3 million people who rely on its work overseas.
Dr Cobbe said: “Trócaire are facing a major funding crisis. COVID restrictions mean that people cannot return their Trócaire boxes and that has put the charity’s life-saving work at risk.”
Dr Buffini added: “During the COVID-19 crisis, people in Ireland have made extraordinary sacrifices to keep each other safe. Trócaire are doing their part by responding in 19 of the poorest countries in the world. With your help, Trócaire are providing hand-washing facilities, vital information and medical care.”
The Riverdance video, recorded with the support of Riverdance director and Trócaire ambassador John McColgan closes with the optimistic message: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” / “Under the shelter of each other, people survive”
Simply count or estimate what is in your box and donate now in one of these four easy ways:
For more information, visit: www.trocaire.org/trocairebox
