MEMBERS of a charity are urging Northsiders to join them in travelling to the coast of Donegal to climb some of Ireland’s most unique rock formations in a bid to raise money for gender equality in dozens of nations across the globe.
Donnacha Maguire, a resident of Drumcondra and the Media and Communications Officer for Plan International Ireland, is inviting people to challenge themselves to scale some of the country’s highest sea-stacks, make new friends and support the non-Government organisation (NGO) to level the playing field for marginalised girls across the world.
Plan International Ireland, founded in 2003, tackles youth poverty and gender equality across 51 countries. It also sets up many charity challenges around the world, but this will be their first domestic-based outdoor event to raise money towards their General Development Fund.
One of Plan International Ireland’s main focuses is trying to break down the barriers to girls going to school. In many situations girls are forced to marry when they are 13 or 14-years-of-age and leave school.
Mr Maguire said: “We are attempting to set up programmes to ban child marriage in these countries and allow girls to go to school.
“Obviously when girls go to school, they get jobs, they get more income and they reinvest back into their own communities which will in turn break down the poverty cycle.”
‘Scale New Heights’ in Donegal is only one of many charity challenges the NGO has planned to raise money. Other trips will take them to some of the world’s most deprived regions.
Ventures to Vietnam, Nepal, Ethiopia and Kilimanjaro are all on Plan International’s radar within the next year, as are taking part in 250km cycles, week-long hikes and in the world’s highest altitude 10km race.
Meanwhile, a black-tie event to support the ‘Because I’m a Girl’ campaign will be held at the Shelbourne Hotel on October 22 for people who may not be able to do some of the more physical challenges.
The ball attracts many big names who support Plan International Ireland such as DCU graduate and TV personality Laura Whitmore, who sponsors a child in the Philippines.
Sponsoring a child costs €22 a month. Mr Maguire is urging people to cut back on some unhealthy habits and substitute them with this worthy cause, joining over 910 Northsiders who also contribute.
“When you think of it, €22 is four pints a month for what they cost in Dublin now,” he pointed out.
“We would all be better off if we could cut down our drinks by four a month so maybe this could be a good way to get people to get healthy while doing good things for the world.”
The Donegal climb will take place over the course of two separate weekends, May 28-29 and June 18-19, on a series of sea stacks and stumps off the coast of the small town of Ardara, which is just over 15 kilometres away from the large fishing town of Killybegs.
The trip to Donegal is for both the seasoned pro and beginner climber. Mr Maguire, who admits he himself is a novice, is urging anyone who wants to help to tag along.
If you can’t attend these events or just wish to donate, you can visit Plan.ie/donate or call 1800829829.
Brein McGinn