21 October 2012

Barnardos - the leading children's charity

 

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On 11 October 2012, An Post issued a stamp to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Barnardos in Ireland. Thomas Barnardo, or 'The Doctor' as he was affectionately known, managed to transform the lives of more than 59,000 children  during his lifetime,  who had been blighted by poverty and neglect.

Today, the children's charity that bears his name continues to deliver vital child-centered programmes and services in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Born in Dame Street, Dublin on 4 July 1845, Thomas Barnardo was destined to become a medical missionary. However while studying at the London Hospital, he was so deeply moved by the numbers of homeless children he saw living on the streets that he started his Ragged School in Stepney. In 1868, with the financial backing of Lord Shaftsbury, he opened the first of many homes for destitute children. Not satisfied with alleviating poverty, Barnardo sought to train children in skills that would enable them to become productive members of society.

In 1962, an arm of Barnardos UK operation first offered its services to Irish children and their families. It would not be until 1989 that a separate Republic of Ireland organisation emerged. Today, Barnardos is the leading children's charity in the country with more than 40 centres located in communities throughout the Republic. The work of Barnardos falls into three categories: practical and professional support for children and their families; specialised services in the areas of literacy, bereavement and representing children in court; and campaigning and lobbying for the rights of children.

 

Club News

Festival of Lights

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Israel Post will issue two commemorative stamps on 20 Years of Diplomatic Relations with India, featuring Festivals of Lights – Deepawali and HanuKKah on 5th November 2012. Readers may contact Mr PradipJain, Patna for this issue, email : philapradip@gmail.com

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