Boxers to Brawl for Nepal as charity seeks funding

AFTER just eight weeks of intensive training at the White Collar Boxing HQ in Harold’s Cross, 21 amateur fighters will now compete to establish who is king or queen of the ring.

Taking place on Saturday, March 14 at The Well in Dublin’s city centre, Brawl for Nepal 2020 will feature the young boxers who were trained in the well-known club that was founded and run by former Irish Olympian and professional boxer, Cathal O’Grady.

Irish charity The Umbrella Foundation has been working in Nepal to protect young people at risk of trafficking since 2005.

The Umbrella Foundation’s Brawl for Nepal 2020 white collar boxing night aims to raise €25,000 in funds to help the Irish NGO in its work to protect and support young people at risk.

Each fighter taking part in Brawl for Nepal 2020 has been busy collecting donations from friends, colleagues and family, with further funds set to come from event sponsorship and ticket sales.

The Umbrella Foundation is a non-profit NGO charity founded and registered in Ireland and dedicated to alleviating the impact of trafficking, poverty and war on children and their families in Nepal.

Its primary work is in rescuing trafficked children and reconnecting them with their families and communities where possible.

The Umbrella Foundation recently revealed that it had succeeded in its original mission to support 411 vulnerable children, enabling them to reconnect with their families and complete their school-level education.

The foundation believes that all charities should try to work themselves out of existence, and now that those 411 children are approaching adulthood, that time has come for Umbrella.

However, to responsibly finish their work, they say they need funding of €50,000 to secure educational fees and support for the remaining children and youth, while also providing long-term support for some special cases.

Commenting on the Brawl for Nepal event, Irish Country Coordinator for The Umbrella Foundation, Darren Halligan, said: “As our work winds down, many of the children rescued by The Umbrella Foundation are becoming adults and have grown into empowered citizens who can advocate for themselves and their communities.

“Some are even starting families of their own.

“As proud as we are of what we – and they – have achieved, we want to ensure that as we step away, any supports they may still be needed are there.

“That’s why it is so important we use Brawl for Nepal and the next few months to reach our funding target.”

One of the fighters, Zoe Gorman, said: “I’m taking part in Brawl for Nepal because I thought it was a great way to kick start my new year.

“I am pushing my body and mind while raising money for an amazing cause. It’s wonderful to know that our efforts are making a difference to children in Nepal.”

Another participant, Sean Clemenson, added: “The Umbrella Foundation is doing amazing work in Nepal. I decided to take part in this charity event, not only because it raises money and awareness for a great cause but also for my own personal growth.”

Brawl for Nepal 2020 will take place on Saturday, March 14 at The Well. To learn more, go to brawlfornepal2020.eventbrite.com