This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
INAGH native Damien Queally has launched a major appeal for the people of Clare to support children in the developing world this Christmas. Damien, who is the Programme Manager of Plan Ireland, yesterday launched the Plan Ireland Christmas appeal with the help of Irish rugby legend Malcolm O’Kelly.
This year’s Life Gifts catalogue includes a number of unique Christmas cards as well as a unique range of photographic canvas prints, all of which will help to raise vital funds to make a lasting improvement to the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged children.
“These gifts will give much needed support and materials directly to the children and communities Plan works with in the developing world. By choosing a Life Gift, like a set for school or a gift of child sponsorship, you are giving a child living in pov- erty the chance of a better life and a gift like this is essentially priceless,” said Damien.
Damien has been working for the charity as Programme Manager since 2008. After graduating from UCD with a Masters in Economics in 1999, Queally spent two years working in banking, before taking a career break in 2001 to volunteer in India and Uganda. Captivated by his experiences in these countries, Damien decided to leave banking permanently and began his career in international development, working in countries such as The Congo, Niger and Darfur.
Plan Ireland is a child-centred community development organisation, part of Plan International which itself was founded over 70 years ago. It is an independent organisation with no religious, political or governmental affiliations. Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume is the Patron of Plan Ireland. He and his wife Pat sponsor a