Council sets up 20 fundraising centres
Later this week, Dublin Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan hopes to open up a book of condolences for the victims of the Asian tsunami. Mr Conaghan said €83,000 had been collected at the Mansion House, the mayor’s residence.
“We’ve had a fantastic response from the people of Dublin. We had a phenomenal day on bank holiday Monday. Around €49,000 was collected. In addition, €17,000 was given on each of the other two days, New Year’s Eve and Sunday.”
Due to the response, he said they yesterday decided to open up collection centres across the city borough.
“Following a meeting with regional managers, the city manager and gardaí, we’re opening up about 20 centres, offices and libraries, around the city, as collecting points,” said Mr Conaghan. He said many old people were not keen about coming into town in order to donate.
“Each geographical area will have a city office or library collection. We hope to collect more by this. All the agencies are saying cash, cash, cash is what’s needed.”
All the money goes straight to the Red Cross. Gardaí are aiding with the arrangements for securely transporting the cash.
Mr Conaghan said Mansion House staff were going through the protocol of contacting the embassies of Indonesia and Sri Lanka in London regarding setting up books of condolences.
“It is a matter of courtesy to talk to them about it as the books would be sent out to them. I hope to have them in place by the end of the week.”
