With Christmas rapidly approaching, the usual Christmas cards are starting to appear in shops. But, we are very privileged to have some truly unique Christmas cards on sale at The Old Hardware which make a real contribution to the lives of people in Haiti through the charity, NPH.
NPH is an international charity for abandoned and neglected children. NPH Haiti provides educational, residential and rehabilitative programmes for children with disabilities in Haiti, a country struggling with food insecurity, natural disasters, political corruption and more.
Its Special Needs Programme is world class – its Director Gena Heraty from Mayo won Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year in 2019.
The cards are handmade by mothers of disabled children attending the Port-au-Prince primary school and physical therapy centre of this very special organisation. Made from local banana leaf, the cards are hand-cut and crafted – with unique designs on each card.
Producing and selling high quality craft items has a positive impact on confidence and self-esteem for these women, who can find themselves very much marginalised in Haitian society due to poverty and cultural prejudice.
Kildare woman, Tracy Keogh, volunteered with NPH Haiti for 18 months from 2016 to 2018. She feels a very strong connection to the country and its people and is delighted to bring these beautiful cards to Narraghmore.
Tracy says, ‘Thanks to the committee for stocking these charity Christmas cards and for waiving their usual fee for crafters. That gesture is very much appreciated.’
‘The ladies in Port-au-Prince are delighted to see their work on sale in Ireland – it gives them a great sense of accomplishment and pride. The funds generated will go a long way towards supporting the programme in very uncertain times.’
Tracy Keogh
Cards are €2 each and all proceeds of card sales go straight back to the programme, which promotes independence and mutual support.