Minister of State at Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, today launched ONE’s Fuchsia Appeal 2011.  The funds raised will be used by O.N.E. to assist former soldiers who have fallen on hard times. Since 1994, when O.N.E. built its first facility at Queens St, Dublin; over 500 former ex-servicemen have been provided with accommodation and many others have been assisted in different ways.

O.N.E. needs €600,000 annually to run its current facilities for former members in Dublin, Athlone, Letterkenny and Limerick. The organisation is currently providing accommodation for 40 former Defence Force members.

Ollie O Connor, Chief Executive of O.N.E. said today, “The Fuchsia appeal is important for O.N.E., as it enables us to help former colleagues who are having a difficult time and are without a place to stay. Many of these people gave outstanding service to the State and to the United Nations and for one reason or another have not been able to make ends meet, since leaving the service. The four homes do not just provide accommodation, but also an opportunity to meet and socialise with others who had served. This we feel is important. Most of the people who spend time with us move on to independent living, after a period of time with support and comradeship”

O.N.E.’s overall objective is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women. Some are homeless, some with disability and many are elderly. We also promote a spirit of comradeship between serving and retired members, as well as providing information on pensions, social welfare and other entitlements.

The Fuchsia was chosen as the emblem, as part of the launch of the first appeal in 2007. It was chosen, as it is grown throughout Ireland and was seen as a reminder of home when seen overseas. The Fuchsia badge is sold as part of the fundraising initiative and under the emblem is stamped the word ‘Cuimhnímis’,(let us remember) in remembrance of those have served and the many who have given their lives while serving.

As a new initiative, O.N.E. also funded some former members to attend ‘The Warrior Programme’ late last year. This new initiative based at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is designed for ex-service personnel who may need to deal with issues, such as sadness, fear, anger and unresolved emotional baggage. This pilot programme will be repeated some time later this year.

The Fuchsia 2011 appeal will run throughout July and further details can be found on www.oneconnect.ie .

Ends

For contact:

Ollie O Connor, O.N.E. 087-2336643

Wally Young, Young Communications, 087-2471520