25 years ago this year, Maureen Forrest started an organisation that would go on to change the lives of over 3 million people.
The remarkable journey of Maureen Forrest, and HOPE, began after she witnessed the horrific suffering of the victims during the civil war in Mozambique. There and then, Maureen decided to make a life-long commitment to the poor. Maureen first volunteered in war torn Somalia, where she risked her life to volunteer in a centre for 2,000 children. During the early 90s Maureen travelled to Rwanda and volunteered in a centre flooded with refugees from the genocide.
In 1993 Maureen experienced a life-changing meeting with Mother Teresa, which inspired her journeys to India. She was horrified by the scale of poverty in Calcutta and decided to volunteer with an Irish organisation based in the city. While there she helped set up schools in the slums and learned that the key to the success of slum children’s education was to involve the mothers in the education process, allowing them to be the real change makers.
And so, in 1999, Maureen decided to open a single child care centre to protect 13 young girls, with a budget of €25,000. Today, The Hope Foundation operates 57 projects including 10 such child care centres, 4 creches and a hospital.
have access to healthcare services through HOPE interventions
children have received educational support
children and adults have been protected from abuse and neglect
youth and young women have received vocational training
families were supported by HOPE’s emergency programmes
As a proud patron of The Hope Foundation, I ask you all to give as much you can to their 25th Anniversary Campaign. Since 1999, their support has impacted the lives of over 3 million individuals who live in Kolkata’s slums and throughout the city’s streets. Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in extending their reach and touching the lives of countless more people. As we come together to give, we not only change lives but also collectively shape a world where HOPE and a better future is a universal right.
2024 will be a very special year for HOPE and we ask for you to join us in our celebrations over the next 12 months! We have a series of exciting events planned, not just here in Ireland but also in the UK and in the USA.
Remember to check back often as more details and events will be added throughout the year!
| Date | Event | Location / Office | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
|
31st January |
HOPE USA 25th Anniversary Reception |
New York, USA |
|
|
1st March |
HOPE Fashion Show |
Naas, Kildare |
|
|
8th March |
International Woman’s Day Breakfast |
Cork |
|
|
March |
Mountain Challenge |
Wicklow Mountains |
TBC |
|
7th April |
London Landmarks Half Marathon |
London, UK |
|
|
12th April |
Footsteps for HOPE |
UK |
|
|
19th April |
Annual Cork Lunch |
Cork |
|
|
25th May |
Calcutta Run |
Dublin, Ireland |
|
|
26th May |
Ride London-Essex 60 |
London, UK |
|
|
21st June |
International Yoga Day events – including Simon Low class |
UK |
|
|
21st June |
International Yoga Day |
Ireland |
TBC |
|
23rd August |
HOPE Golf Classic |
Cork, Ireland |
TBC |
|
5th September |
School Immersion Programme Reunion |
Cork, Ireland |
TBC |
|
21st September |
HOPE Dublin Gala Dinner |
Dublin, Ireland |
TBC |
|
6th October |
Film Screening |
UK |
|
|
October |
Week of HOPE |
Ireland |
TBC |
|
6th November |
Himalayan Walk |
Ireland |
|
|
November / December |
The Big Give Campaign |
UK |
|
|
November / December |
End of Year Giving Campaign |
USA |
TBC |
|
November / December |
Christmas Campaign |
Ireland |
TBC |
