Local charity determined to survive

A NORTHSIDE-based charity is battling for survival after donations plunged by 60 per cent this year.

However, Debbie Deegan, founder of To Russia With Love (TRWL), which has its headquarters in Clontarf, has vowed that she and her team will keep the charity going despite huge financial pressures.

Debbie has co-written a book entitled

‘To Russia With Love, the Children’s Stories’, with Emily Hourican. She hopes it will generate much-needed funds for the charity which has been helping abandoned and orphaned children in Russia since 1998.

“Frankly, my only goal at the moment is survival and this is what we hope the book will achieve,

? Debbie told Northside People.

“Our circumstances are becoming increasingly difficult. We are just about holding our heads above water, as 2014 has been our most crippling year.

“We are down about 60 per cent since the Rehab and CRC scandals. We were hugely damaged.

“People stopped trusting and giving which has been devastating for the children under our care.

“We have had to strip back programmes of care available in the Hortolova orphanage.

“We have about four months’ funds in the bank right now, so we are hoping Christmas fundraising will improve that.

?

Debbie said they are

“battling on

? and its charity shop in Vernon Avenue is keeping them alive.

“We owe our customers, donors and volunteers a huge thanks,

? she stated.

“The shop came along at exactly the right time, at our lowest hour.

?

When asked if there was a danger that the charity may have to close, Debbie replied:

“I hope not. We have incredible people around us. We are all warriors.

“We are a small charity now: tight, transparent and passionate. This is my life 24/7.

“We also work with vulnerable children so we always have a contingency plan. We cannot just end what we are doing. I have no intention of ending it.

“We will survive. I’m sure of it, but it is incredibly hard. Our positivity will get us there.

?
Debbie believes that Irish people are

“amazing, kind and want to give

?.

“They just need to know that their money is going where it should be going and not on pension plans and executives’ huge salaries,

? she stated.

“We are all sick of these stories.

“We have a responsibility to keep beating the drum to ensure that the children who need us most are cared for,

? she said.

“These Russian children depend on the generosity of the Irish people to provide them with opportunities that ensure they break negative cycles and patterns.

?

The book features stories from over 10 children and adults who have been through the Hortolova orphanage and from those who are currently living there.
It gives a voice to the children who have told their stories of appalling neglect, as well as their hopes and aspirations for the future, from the safety of the haven made by Debbie’s charity.
The book is also an account of the charity’s trials and tribulations since its foundation.

Debbie recently won a Women Mean Business Social Entrepreneur Award and has been nominated for an Image Businesswoman of the Year Award (Social Entrepreneur category), the results of which will be announced on November 24.

“These are all great for profile, so if these organisations believe in me, then I need to live up to their expectations and stay where I am,

? added Debbie.

“Survival is our job now.

?

‘To Russia With Love, the Children’s Stories’ is available at www.torussiawithlove.ie or from their

‘With Love’ charity shop in Clontarf. TRWL will also provide a special gift-wrapping service for those who order the book online, making it an ideal Christmas gift.
To donate to the charity, text HUG to 50300 or visit www.torussiawithlove.ie