The Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot was at Wilton Shopping Centre in Cork this week to release balloons for International Day for Street Children (April 12).  HOPE is partnering with the Consortium for Street Children’s 2012 campaign  ‘Louder Together’.  The goal is to help raise awareness of the plight of street children around the globe.

HOPE balloon releases have also taken place in Limerick, Dublin, Waterford and Galway as well as in Calcutta, Germany, Sweden, Australia and Canada. “These balloons being released all over the world symbolise the precious freedom of childhood; which street children so rarely enjoy”, said Maureen Forrest, Hon Director of The Hope Foundation.

An estimated 250,000 children live on the streets and in the slums of Kolkata in constant danger of abuse and trafficking. HOPE has been working since 1999 to help restore childhoods, improve futures and support children giving access education, healthcare, nutrition, counselling, drugs rehabilitation and protection.  HOPE works with 14 local NGO partners and delivers immediate and long term supports to the children and families that most need it.

Spread the word on facebook and twitter: join us and be louder together for street children!