Archive News at Tuesday’s Child

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Thank you to St Luke’s Parish, Twinbrook, Monday 11th August 2009
A huge thanks to the Fr John Murray, parish priest of St Luke's Church, Twinbrook, for inviting Tuesday's Child to give a presentation on the plight of the children in Gaza and to sell embroidery made by the women of Gaza after mass.
"It is quite remarkable, that women living in such terrible deprivation as Gaza are able to make such beautiful handiwork", said Fr Murray.
Thanks also to the wonderful generosity of the people attending the Monday night mass in St Luke's in supporting the sale of work and for their donations.
"It is because of Our Lady of Medugorje that we are feeding children in Gaza and helping children in other countries around the world. We consider it a privilege to help and we thank Her for her gentle guidance. Ultinmately, the message of Our Lady of Medugorje is Peace Peace Peace, and this is our prayer for all children living in the Middle East", said Orla Sheehan from Tuesday's Child
The total raised for the Tuesday's Child Gaza appeal was £1,679

Tuesday's Child returns to Gaza, Monday 6th July 2009
Today, Tuesday's Child returned to Gaza. Tuesday's Child will spend 14 days in the Gaza strip visiting their programme and the families affected by the recent war there. Tuesday's Child brought money for their feeding programme as well as medicines, school supplies, arts and carfts, toys and musical instruments. You can follow Tuesday's Child on their 14 day journey through our daily blog... Read it here »

The Mount Carmel School, Karnataka, India, Tuesday 16th June 2009

Children of Mount Carmel School, Karnataka

The Mount Carmel school for poor and needy children in Karnataka, southern India, is currently under construction under the excellent direction of Fr Jerome Moras, discalced Carmelite. Fr Jerome has a healing ministry and also promotes devotion to the Infant of Prague around the world. The school, once complete, aims to provide a high standard of education to 400 boys and girls of from kindergarden to end of secondary school here as we know it. The school currently has 120 children and as the building construction is work in progress they are being taught in rented house.

The new school was inaugurated the first week of February 2009. The school also needs money to buy books for the library, complete the science and computer laboratories and the playground areas. In addition to building a first class school, the project also creates much needed local employment. Tuesday's Child is supporting the completion of the school and our goal is to raise 100,000 euro. If you are in a position to contribute to this project, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at info@tuesdayschild.org.uk and mark your email India, or you can donate online on this site.		New school under construction
Fr Jerome Morau, Head of Mt Carmel School with children
Fr Jerome, co-ordinating building of the new school l

Happy Birthday Anne Condon, Saturday 16th May 2009
Many Happy Returns to Anne Condon of Clonmel Co Tipperary who celebrated her birthday today. Anne threw a party and invited all of her friends, however instead of bringing gifts, she asked that they make a contribution to Tuesday's Child and requested that it go to children in Gaza. The event was very successful, everyone had a great party and Anne raised 1220 euro on the night. Fantastic! "We are delighted to receive this money for feeding children in Gaza", said Tuesday's Child, "a big thank you to Anne and to all her friends who contributed and Happy Birthday Anne!".

Tuesday's Child visits Infant Shrine, Wednesday 6th May 2009
Tuesday's Child visited the Infant of Prague shrine today in the Carmelite cathedral in Prague. The statue of the Infant Child, over 500 years old, is associated with many miracles. Tuesday's Child prayed for all children who live with injustice around the world. In particular, we prayed for the many children scarred by the recent war in Gaza and for an end to the siege there. In Ireland, people often associate the child of Prague with praying for good weather and often brides will put the Child of Prague statue in the window the night before their wedding.

However, the Infant Child is associated with much more than good weather. Many miracles and healings have been associated with the Infant of Prague down the centuries. Tuesday's Child started praying to the Child of Prague in July last year and have since adopted Him as an intercessor for our work of Tuesday's Child. And he works very quicky indeed, for He introduced us to a new project in need of support in Southern India, a Carmelite school for 400 children being built by Fr Jerome Moras and this team! Further details on the Infant of Prague are available on www.pragjesu.info

Rockin all over the world, Sunday 3rd May 2009
Tuesday's Child paid tribute to our most senior volunteer Gerry Rock this afternoon. Gerry, an 82 yr old pensioner from Andersonstown, Belfast, first lifted his bucket in June 2007 and hasn't looked back since. "I love doing my bit to help wee children" said Gerry, "also, it has given me a whole new lease of life and I would encourage other folks my age to do it". Gerry, a former boxer, is one of Tuesday's Child's most successful volunteers. "He keeps the rest of us on our toes" said Margaret McAuley. The team went for pizza and a few beers to celebrate and afterwards, rock chick, Margaret, belted out a few numbers on a signed fender guitar kindly donated to Tuesday's Child by Belfast's legendary rock band Snow Patrol. Margaret was so out of tune.

Ready, Steady, Go! Sunday 3rd May 2009
Team Tuesday's Child took to the streets of Belfast today for a final warm-up for tomorrow's marathon in the city. The team, who will be running to raise funds for children in war-torn Gaza, are all looking forward to the event. The team have already raised over £3,000, all of which will go towards feeding children. The Gaza strip is 25 miles long, one mile shorter than the marathon distance. Imagine the impact of 100 tonnes of bombs landing along the marathon route through Belfast tomorrow? This is what happened on the first day of the recent onslaught in Gaza. Running for the team, Kieran McCormick, a nurse by profession, said "It is a lifetime ambition to run the Belfast marathon, now even more so, because this is for the most worthwhile of causes. I look forward to the challenge. Bring it on!" Kieran hopes to travel to the Gaza strip later this year. To support Kieran and the team you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/tuesdayschildteam
Click for a list of up-and-coming marathons in 2009 »

		Two priests are running in the Belfast City Marathon to help raise funds for Tuesday’s Child. Fr Rory Sheehan, Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Church, Portrush and Fr Gerry McCloskey, Parish Priest of St Agnes’s Church, Belfast will be taking part in the relay event. Fr Rory said, “Tuesday’s Child is a very worthwhile charity. If only all children in life could be as lucky to have the love and start I had growing up in Ballycastle. Running 3.5 miles is a small price to pay to give children in dire need a helping hand”. Fr Rory and Fr Gerry will be joined by Kieran McCormick, Brian Mullan and Angus Lambkin, all from Belfast. Tuesday’s Child trustees, Orla Sheehan and Margaret McAuley will also be competing in Belfast City Marathon. Donate at justgiving.com.
Fr Rory Sheehan

Ards Peninsula Marathon, Saturday 18th April 2009 The sun shone today over the beautiful Ards Peninsula for the marathon walk organized by Patrick and Diane Moore of Belfast, jointly in aid of Tuesday’s Child and NI Chest, Heart and Stroke Association. The walk kicked off in Grey Abbey and trailed through Ballywalter, Portaferry and Kircubbin. The day ended in great spirit and with fish and chips in Old Inn and some very blistered feet. The youngest walker in the merry band of 20 was 8 yr old Rory McAlinden. We also had a 4 legged competitor for part of the way, Caeser, a very friendly black and portly Labrador with a fetching pink collar! A huge thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful day which raised £2100 for both charities. Thankyou Patrick and Diane and we look forward to doing it all again next year!

Patrick and Dianne Moore, organisers Blisters near Portaferry

Tuesday’s Child doubles feeding programme in Gaza , Tuesday 3rd April 2009
Tuesday’s Child doubled our feeding programme in Gaza this month. We are very pleased to be able to expand the programme to reach twice as many children as before. There is huge need and thousands more families are in need of basic food support. It costs £8 per week to feed a family of 6 or more children. If you can feed a family in Gaza please email us at info@tuesdayschild.org.uk.

Please Mr Postman!, Monday 23rd March 2009
A local postman, nominated Tuesday’s Child to receive a special bonus for his years of service to Royal Mail. The postman, who prefers to remain anonymous, said he was delighted to contribute his special payment to the charity. “We are delighted to receive this donation” said a Tuesday’s Child spokesperson, “it’s the first of it’s kind and so a red letter day for us”.

Vicar St gigs raise €82,121 for children in Gaza, Thursday 19th March 2009
The two music gigs for children in Gaza in Vicar St last month raised a staggering €82,121 for children in Gaza. All proceeds will go to the Tuesday's Child feeding programme in the strip. Tuesday's Child decided to focus on food provision to many of the families who are starving there currently and have doubled our feeding programme with these funds. We are amazed that the two sell out nights raised so much money. The inspiration for the concerts came on the night of Tuesday's child's candlelit vigil on the 6th January, the feast of the Epiphany, when an estimated 2500 people in Belfast offered prayers to the Infant Child for the people of Gaza. "A huge thanks to everyone involved - all the singers and their bands, everyone who bought a ticket, everyone at Aiken promotions, the Tuesday's Child volunteer team and most of all, the Infant Child! We would love to do it all again", said Tuesday's Child, "maybe next time in Croke Park!"

Game Night in Gulladuff, Saturday 14th March 2009
Toombridge business man Gerard Mulcahy of Newbridge Joinery Ltd organised a night with a difference in Baldy’s pub in Gulladuff, Co. Derry, with funds going to Tuesday’s Child. Gerard, cooked up a treat of pheasant and duck for the punters who came along to support the event. The evening was well washed down with a bit of a singsong and everyone sang a ballad or two. A great and late night!

Black Box Gig, Wednesday 4th March 2009
The Black Box in Belfast was packed to capacity tonight to support children in Gaza. The audience was treated to a great night of music thanks to some great local musicians. A raffle and auction, hosted by Belfast playright Martin Lynch, added to the fundraising on the night. Auction prizes included, a pint with Tim McGarry and a guitar signed by all the artists on the night. The event was organized by Belfast DJ and former king of punk, Terri Hooley and his friends David and Tracy Donaldson. Thanks also to Kieran McWilliams and Anne Collins. Photos coming soon..

Belfast gig for children in Gaza - The Black Box, Wed 4th March 2009
Henry McCullough and band, Errol Walsh, Bap Kennedy, Cara Robinson, Jackie Rainey, Gerry Creen and Damian McNicholl perform in The Black Box on Wednesday 4th March. The musicians, who are donating their time and talents for free, will be singing their hearts out on behalf of suffering children in the Gaza strip.

Terri Hooley, founder of Good Vibrations records and career-maker of many young bands in Northern Ireland, including The Undertones, is organising a benefit gig for the Belfast – based charity Tuesday’s Child. A number of musicians have also contributed to the auction on the night including items from Stiff Little Fingers, Duke Special, The Chieftans and The Undertones.
Read more here »

Dima dies, Tuesday 3rd March 2009
Dima, the little girl from Gaza, who touched our hearts, died this afternoon in hospital from her injuries. Dima was such a brave little girl, she fought so hard to live. She died in a strange country without her mother and in an adult intensive care ward. Her body was returned to her family in Gaza for burial. Dima is survived by her parents and her six brothers and sisters. She is 1415th victim of Operation Cast Lead and the 319th child to die from injuries sustained during the recent onslaught. “We are deeply saddened by the death of this beautiful child and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family”, said Tuesday’s Child. “We hope her death will mark an end to the slaughter of so many innocents in Gaza.”
Read an interview with her father »

Tuesday’s Child visits projects in Alexandria, Thursday 19th February 2009
This afternoon, Tuesday’s Child took the train to Alexandria. The green countryside on either side is in stark contrast to the arid desert of the Sinai a few days earlier. In Alexandria we visited St Vincent’s school for boys and girls. The sisters here also do wonderful work. Tuesday’s Child, left toys, clothes, treats and children’s multivitamins with the school.

The Centre, run by the Daughters of Charity, also helps street children and runs a clinic for the poor. An estimated 400 people attend the clinic every day. The children’s clinic is in urgent need of medicines and up-to-date equipment. The Centre runs an eye and ear clinic and is in need of basic treatments like antibiotic eye ointment. If you are interested in supporting this clinic please get in touch with us at info@tuesdayschild.org.uk and mark your email Alexandria.

Tuesday’s Child visits El Nassier slum in Cairo, Thursday 19th February 2009
This morning, Tuesday’s Child visited El Nassier slum in Cairo, home to some 500,000 families. The poverty the region was shocking. Everywhere, huge piles of undumped rubbish, including hospital waste. Much of the rubbish here has accumulated over 10 years and the stench is putrid. These families have no social support and many are starving. There is huge need for the most basic health and social care. Tuesday’s Child left donations for food for some of the families here. If you can sponsor a family in this slum, it costs 25 dollars a week. Please help if you can.

El Nasseir slum close to the pyramids

Tuesday’s Child visits Abbasseih school in Cairo, Wednesday 18th February 2009
Tuesday’s Child visited Abbaseih school this evening in the centre of Cairo. The trilingual school, run by the daughters of charity, has 500 girls from the age of 4 upwards. Children attending are from some of the poorest areas in the city. Education is crucial to break the cycle of poverty. The sisters here also work with street children in the region. Tuesday’s Child presented toys, clothes and treats to the sisters for the children. The sisters also help the children of a nearby leper village. Monies are urgently needed for a new school bus and to take children from the leper village on holiday. Can you afford a 50 seater bus for needy children. If so, please get in touch at info@tuesdayschild.org.uk

Sr Elaine and her team receive supplies for children		7 yr old student from El Nassier
6 yr old student from El Nassier by Brenda Trainer		Sweets go down a treat

Regional Burns Team Treats Injured Gazans in Cairo, Wednesday 18th February 2009
Following the disappointment of the Rafah border closure, and a long trip back across the Sinai desert, Mr Khan and his surgical team returned to the Palestinian hospital in Cairo and assessed and operated on many injured Gazans, the majority of whom were under 25 yrs of age. In addition to treating open wounds and performing limb saving surgery, the team trained surgeons and nurses in specialized techniques employed at the RVH burns unit. The team also donated new and much needed equipment to the hospital, a sister unit of Gaza’s Shifa hospital. “We were devastated not to get into Gaza and so it was great to finally be able to do something to really help” said the two nurses on the team funded by Tuesday’s Child. Speaking after the two days at the hospital Mr Khan said “It was a priviledge to be able to help these young people. They were all extremely malnourished, more so than I expected; that has not helped their healing”

Tuesday’s Child visits injured in Palestinian hospital in Cairo,
Wednesday 18th February 2009
This morning Tuesday’s Child visited injured children from Gaza in the Palestinian hospital in Cairo. The charity gave out toys, blankets, clothes and treats to these traumatized children, some of whom were suffering terribly from white phosphorus burns. “In all of my years working in hospitals, I have never witnessed injuries as horrific or as needless as these”, said Orla Sheehan, from Tuesday’s Child. The most seriously ill of the children was a little 5 yr old girl called Dima. Dima sustained a severe injury to the head during an F16 bomb attack on 7th January 2009. Her 7 yr old sister was also badly hurt in the UN school bombing of 6th January 2009 where 32 children were killed. Tuesday’s Child interviewed Dima’s father at the hospital »

Rafah border refused to open to Tuesday’s Child and specialist burns team from Belfast, Tuesday 17th February 2009
A specialist burns team, part funded by Tuesday’s Child, travelled from Belfast via Cairo and then 5 hrs across the Sinai desert to help the badly injured in Shifa Hospital in Cairo. The team, lead by famous plastic surgeon and humanitarian, Mr Khalid Khan, have been planning their trip since January. As well as bringing their own expertise, the team carried much needed medical and surgical supplies to the region. Tragically, the Rafah border would not open to Mr Khan despite the support of the Irish Embassy and the Egyptian press. The situation was particularly frustrating as the border opened to allow entry of black marketers and contraband to the decimated strip. Leaving Rafah, Mr Khan said, “it is terrible to think that there are women and children, that we could really help, are lying in hospital, just a few miles away and we are not permitted to enter”. Many other aid workers were stranded at the border for several weeks. Tuesday’s Child aid workers, were waiting less than a km away on the other side of the border. “We are devastated not to get through this time”, said Tuesday’s Child.

Mr Khan and his team at the Rafah border		The Rafah gate
F16s bomb tunnels at Rafah		Rafah city - so near and yet so far

International Radio Blipathon for Tuesday’s Child
On Valentine's Day, 144 DJs around the world took part in a Blipathon for Tuesday's Child and children in Gaza. The blipathon was the brainchild of Dublin based social radio advocate Brian Greene, winner of the special recognition award for sound and music at the recent 2009 Irish Blog Awards. The marathon blipathon raised €1,084 for children in Gaza.

A Tuesday's Child spokesperson, speaking en route to the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza said, "We are absolutely delighted that the Tuesday's Child message of love, peace and justice for every child was broadcast around the world in such an innovative way by Brian and his friends. This international blipathon represents a huge beacon of hope for the children and young people of Gaza".
Read more here »

Tuesday’s Child sponsors R.V.H Regional Burns Team for Gaza, 10th February 2009
Tuesday’s Child has sponsored two nurses in a 5 strong team to travel to Gaza. The surgical team from the regional burns unit in the RVH will travel to Gaza via Cairo on Friday 13th February 2009. This same team treated the Omagh bom victims here and there expertise will prove invaluable in Gaza. They hope to work for 5 days alongside surgeons in Shifa Hospital. Tuesday’s Child will travel with the team on their mercy mission and will bring supplies and medicines for children.

A meeting of hearts and minds
Just some of the 0.5 tonnes of surgical supplies co-ordinated by Brenda Trainer		R.V.H burns team outside Palestinian Hospital, Cairo

Hallelujah
Tuesday’s Child’s star-studded music gigs for children in Gaza, at Vicar St, sold out both nights to rapturous applause and standing ovations. Audiences were treated to a feast of music by some of Ireland’s music greats: Neil Hannon, Lisa Hannigan, The Waterboys, Jack L, Mary Black, Liam O’Maonlai, Mundy, Eleanor McEvoy, Paul Brady, Kila and One Day International. Evenings were hosted by Colin Murphy, Barry Murphy and Eric Lawlor.
Read more here »
Click to view the programme for the evenings »
(6.5Mbs PDF)

View lots of great fan photos of the gigs
at our Facebook page »

More stars light up for children in Gaza, Tuesday 27th January 2009
Just one week on from announcing two benefit concerts for children in Gaza, many more great names in Irish music are keen to play their part. Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Brady, The Waterboys, Mundy and Jack L will join the all-star line up over two nights at Vicar St, already featuring Lisa Hannigan, the divine Neil Hannon, Mary Black, Liam O'Maonlai, Kila, Frances Black and Eleanor McEvoy. "We are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of the artists and musicians involved", said a Tuesday's Child spokesperson, "everyone has been just fantastic and at this rate we may have to move to Croke Park!". Tuesday's Child's goal is to raise 100,000 Euro over the two nights for children in Gaza. Dublin is in for two great nights of music!

Galaxy of Stars Twinkle for children in Gaza, Thursday 29th January 2009
Snow Patrol, The Chieftans, Cat Stevens and The Beach Boys have all donated prizes for auction to Tuesday's Child for children caught in the recent conflict in Gaza. Snow Patrol have donated a Fender Guitar signed by the Gary Lightbody and all of the band and tickets for their forthcoming concert in The Point, Dublin. The Chieftans, unable to participate in the gigs, as they are on tour, posted their contribution from Canada. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) said when sending his prizes, "I wish Tuesday's Child every success with their noble efforts". Other contributors include: award winning poet Paul Muldoon, Irish Gold Olympians Ronnie Delaney and Ken Egan and Michelin chef Richard Corrigan. "We are delighted that so many celebrities in their respective fields want to lend a helping hand to children in Gaza", said Tuesday's Child. In keeping with the music theme, the most recent contribution to the auction is a Thin Lizzy Tour Jacket, from the Alive and Dangerous Tour of 1978; it is 1 of 35 jackets commissioned for every member of the band and the crew. All prizes will be auctioned over the two nights of music at Vicar St. Asked what the ultimate auction prize would be, Tuesday's Child said "that would have to be something from Elvis - he was a Tuesday's Child too"!  


To Gaza With Love, Friday 30th January 2009
Mary Black and Liam O'Maonlai sang a beautiful duet tonight on The Late Late Show, on behalf of Tuesday's Child. They chose the Bob Dylan classic "To Make You Feel My Love" for the occasion, giving listeners just a taste of what is in store at the forthcoming benefit concerts in Vicar St. People across Ireland, North and South, are offended by the recent conflict in Gaza and want to empathise with people there and comfort them in their pain, so the lyrics of this beautiful song, were particularly poignant. "When the rain is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case, I could offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love...". Tuesday's Child, watching from the audience, were deeply touched by the soulful performance, "It was quite beautiful, we are truly honoured...I just wish all the people hurting in Gaza could hear it tonight". Late Late Show host, Pat Kenny, delighted with the performance by Liam and Mary said, "That was lovely...really brilliant". View the performance online »

		Katie Martin, a primary 7 student at St Michael’s P.S, chose Tuesday’s Child as her favourite charity for a presentation to her class today. Katie likes Tuesday’s Child because “it helps other children around the world”. The project included an interview with charity founder, Orla Sheehan. Children are so aware and so giving and we are thrilled that Katie chose us for her school project”, said Orla. Katie’s Mum, Miriam, said “Katie was delighted with the information you sent, she even surprised me by doing it on PowerPoint and taught me a lot too”!
Katie Martin

Veritas - Tuesday's Child visits St. Dominic's High School, Wednesday 21st January 2009
Today Tuesday's Child visited her old grammar school, St Dominic's in Belfast to meet pupils in year 11 and staff. St Dominic's year 11 pupils have been raising money for Tuesday's Child in the run up to Christmas... click here to read more »

Tuesday’s Child announces Music Gigs for Children in Gaza, Tuesday 20th January 2009
Tuesday's Child announces two, not to be missed, nights of Irish Music in Dublin's premier live music venue, Vicar St, in conjunction with Aiken Promotions. Some of the biggest names in Irish music will be singing their hearts out for the forgotten children of Gaza. Lisa Hannigan, Neil Hannon, Mary Black, Liam O'Maonlai, Eleanor McEvoy, Kila, Frances Black and friends. Tickets are 25 euro and go on sale this Friday 23rd Jan from Ticketmaster. All proceeds will go to Tuesday's Child's emergency relief fund for food, water, milk, medicines, mattresses, blankets for children traumatised by this most violent of wars... click here for more details »

Buy a blanket for Gaza appeal, Wednesday 14th January 2009
Three weeks of incessant bombing and shelling across the Gaza strip has left many more families homeless and displaced. It is cold at the moment and people, left only with the clothes they are wearing, need blankets to keep warm and mattresses to rest on. A blanket costs £10. A mattress and blanket costs £20. To buy a bed for a homeless person on Gaza please donate here.

Tuesday’s Child families receive food baskets today, Tuesday 13th January 2009
Tuesday's Child food distribution programme started again today for the first time since war broke out across Gaza on 27th December 2009 with food, water and milk reaching starving families. Thousands more families are in need of food baskets. If you can buy a monthly food basket for a family, please donate online. It costs £32 to feed a family of 6 or more children for one month. Maybe members of your family can come together to support a starving family in Gaza. If you can buy a one of food basket please donate online at ..... If you are interested in supporting a family every month please email us at info@tuesdayschild.org.uk

Heartache from Gaza - Tuesday’s Child publishes testimonial of one of their aid workers in Gaza city, Sunday 11th January 2009
Tuesday’s Child received correspondence from one of their aid workers based in Gaza city. Tuesday’s Child decided to publish the correspondence in the hope that it will shine some light in the suffering people are experience under this onslaught.

First I would like to thank you very much to your solidarity and your nice feelings and support. Really I was so very happy when I received your call and listen to your voice and read your emails, but I am sorry that I can’t answer your email directly, this is because we don't have electricity for 12 days, so today we have for few hours.
Read the full testimonial here»

Tuesday’s Child shares experience of recent visit to Gaza with Amnesty Ireland, Saturday 10th January 2009
I went into Gaza on the 31st August. I had hoped for clearance for 14 days but it was cut short just before we went in and I was only allowed to stay for 2 days. I was livid about that. We had a van of aid with us but that was denied entry and so we took as much as we could carry - 3 large suitcases and 2 rucksacks and a hand luggage bags of "pick and mix" for the kids! Read more »

Tuesday’s Child applauds candlelight vigil in Dublin, Friday 9th January
Tuesday’s Child applauded news of a candelight vigil in Dublin tonight in St Stephen’s Green organised jointly by Christian Aid, Trocaire and Amnesty. "We are glad our prayer for peace has spread to Dublin and that others are following our lead", said a Tuesday’s Child spokesperson. "We hope as many people as possible will come out in Dublin tonght in support of the vigil".

Belfast Vigil an international prayer for peace, Wednesday 7th January 2009
Tuesday’s Child today expressed a huge thanks to the many people who braved the cold last night to come and join them in their candlelight procession for peace. "We were very pleased that so many joined us in prayer and song and walked with us on our two mile journey of light. The people of Northern Ireland have been able to resolve our differences. If we have learned one thing from all the years of the troubles it is that cessation of violence is paramount. We hope that Belfast can be a shining example for hope for peace in the Middle East. Tuesday’s Child explained that their charity partners in Uganda, Bolivia, Brazil, Isreal, Palestine, Grenada and Bosnia Herzergovina, were also joining in the prayer vigil. Last night was truly an international vigil for peace", said Tuesday’s Child. "Our hope is that every community across the world who is outraged by the crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza will come together in prayer not protest".

Belfast shines a light for peace in Middle East, 6th January 2009
An estimated 2,500 people joined a candlelit vigil in Belfast last night for peace in the middle East. Others joined in unity with the vigil from both sides of the community from churches and homes around the Province. Organised by the humanitarian charity, Tuesday’s Child, the procession commenced in Clonard monastery and walked to Belfast City Hall where it was greeted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tom Hartley.

The candlelit vigil was especially poignant as it came just an hour after breaking news that a UN school in Gaza has been hit by Israel bombs with many children among the dead and wounded.
Read more in our Press Office section »

JUST LIKE YOU AND I… Tuesday’s Child releases song for peace and
justice for every child, 6th January 2009
Written by Belfast singer-songwriter, Olive Kayes, Just Like You and I is dedicated to the plight of all children caught in war. The song is released as a digital single on our website for download today for whatever price you wish to pay. All proceeds will go to helping children in both Palestine and Israel.
Read more in our Press Office section »

Tuesday’s Child invites people across Northern Ireland to candlelight vigil of prayer, Sunday 4th January 2009
Today, Tuesday’s Child invited people from all denominations across the province to a candlelight vigil of prayer for peace in the middle East. When we heard of the mobilization of ground troops into Gaza, we anticipated many more deaths across the strip. The families we help are in Northern Gaza and so most vulnerable from the attacks. “Now is the time for prayer”, said Tuesday’s Child. “Please download the poster for our vigil from the home page of our website. Put in your workplaces and churches and spread the word. We hope as many people as possible will give up their time to come out and walk with us in prayer on Tuesday night. Tuesday will be a procession of prayer, not protest”

Tuesday’s Child speaks to BBC Newsline about Gaza, Friday 2nd Jan 2009
This evening, a Tuesday’s Child spokesperson, spoke to BBC Newsline about their last visit into the Gaza strip in September 2008. Tuesday’s Child submitted video footage of a film they made to the BBC together with a blog from their visit in October in the hope of exposing the humanitarian crisis there. Tuesday’s Child spoke of their work in conjunction with their charity partner in the Middle East, the Daughters of Charity. Tuesday’s Child described their feeding programme for children in Northern Gaza, the schools they help, the persecution of the people by both Israel and Hamas and the humanitarian crisis that is Gaza. “We cannot condemn strongly enough these terrible attacks on Gaza and lack of regard for the sanctity of human life”, said Ms Sheehan. “I have never witnessed a humanitarian crisis and violation of human rights like Gaza. but in terms of diminution of the human spirit it is totally appalling.  The people were suffering enough and I shudder to think of what they must be going through now”.. The programme was broadcast on BBC newsline including video footage from the Tuesday’s Child film made in Gaza. Tuesday’s Child also helps vulnerable people in Israel.

On New Year’s Day,  1 January 2009
Last night as many of us rang in the New Year with family and friends, the people of Gaza are in mourning for their loved ones. Today we spoke to some of our Palestinian aid workers in Gaza city. In the last days over 150 tonnes of explosives have fallen on this 40 km strip of land. Devastation is all around and still the shelling continues. Speaking from Gaza city, one of our contacts said “I have lost my cousin, a niece and a nephew already. Many women and children are among the dead. It has never been this bad. Parents are leaving their homes to look for food for their children and not coming home. Flour bags lie in streets spilled and soaked in blood. Hospital services cannot cope. While the world is wakening up to the horror here starting to speak out, the attacks continue regardless as they know they will not be held accountable”. Another aid worker living in Beit Hanoun said, “It is terrifying. This is a full scale war and we have no means of protecting ourselves. The bombs fall relentlessly. There is no place safe now in Gaza. Many families are shut in their homes hungry and dehydrated. Babies are dying. It is impossible to estimate the numbers of deaths except those recorded in the hospitals. Humanitarian aid is coming in but for many days, there is only flour in the shops and nothing immediate to eat or sustain.”.

Emergency Appeal for Gaza, Saturday 31st December 2008
Tuesday’s Child launched and emergency appeal for aid for families devastated by the recent attacks across the Gaza strip. A Tuesday’s Child spokesperson said, “Gaza was already in humanitarian crisis, thousands of people were already starving and dehydrated. We visited the strip in September 2008 and it was on its knees; since then the situation has deteriorated further. Aid conveys have been refused entry into the region in November 2008. While our families got their food allocations in November, many others went with out and people were reduced to looking through bins for food. The people of Gaza were suffering enough. They cannot withstand an onslaught like this; it is too cruel for words”. Please make a difference today by responding to our emergency appeal. Click here to find out how you can help….

1 Make a one-off donation
2 Sponsor a family
3 Buy a music album
4 Sign our online petition
5 Download our song for peace for as much or as little as you want to pay

100 percent of your donation will go towards our Gaza appeal.

Click for a further Archive of previous news items »
View more press releases here »