Concern is humbled by the empathy and humanity of the Irish

We are at the end of what has been an extraordinarily challenging year, one when conflict, climate change, migration and Ebola have all dominated the headlines.

2015 was a year when the world felt smaller, more interconnected and more insecure. A year when the number of refugees surpassed 60million, when flooding, drought and earthquakes wreaked havoc and destruction across the poorest communities.

It was also year when the flame of humanity shone brightly, when acts of kindness, courage and compassion multiplied and rose to meet the challenges.

It was a year when our work fighting Ebola received special recognition by the EU particularly our programme, giving 16,500 victims of the horrific virus a decent, safe and dignified burial.

It was a year when I witnessed once again the extraordinary courage of Syrian refugees in Lebanon many of whom are entering their 5th year of displacement and struggling to survive in over-crowded basements, half-built homes and garages. In desperation, young girls are marrying themselves off so there is one less mouth for their mothers to feed. Choices no one should have to make. But we are there, providing families with support, protection, training, education and giving back control over their lives. As the harsh, unapologetic winter hits Lebanon, we are also providing extra shelter, materials and blankets to keep them warm and safe.

And while it’s been a year of turmoil and change, the one constant has been the continued generosity of the Irish people.

It is this support that enables us to respond to emergencies within 24 hours, stay on long after the TV cameras are gone, reach more remote villages, add extra classrooms, provide more wells and support more farmers struggling to feed their families.

Since I was appointed CEO two years ago, I have travelled around the country meeting people who support our work. From those running church gate collections, second hand clothes shops and baking cakes to signing up to make a donation, it’s humbling and inspiring to see the extraordinary commitment of people.

I’m proud to come from a country that continues to be more generous than other countries that can afford to give more. Empathy and humanity are instinctive to us and that must be treasured.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has and continues to support Concern. To all of you, I say thank you and wish you a peaceful and happy new year.

Dominic MacSorley

Concern Worldwide

Dublin 2