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A YOUNG Castleconnell woman will be jumping into the Shannon every day this month to help keep others from jumping to the wrong conclusions.
Rain, hail, or shine, you’ll find Tanya Holliday plunging into the river at the end of the world, Castleconnell. He is doing it to raise funds and awareness for those in direct provision and Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH). It all stems from a terrifying experience in Dublin.
“On November 20 I was robbed right off Abbey Street. They threw me against a wall and snatched my bag and phone from my hand. The thief then proceeded to run into an alley.
Instinctively I ran after him. I was able to keep up for a few streets. I began to lose strength and screamed for help from passersby. Several kind men came to my aid. They ran after the thief and managed to return my items to me, ”said Tanya, who thanked each of the Good Samaritans profusely.
“From talking to them I learned that two of the men who helped me are refugees from Somalia, currently living in a Direct Provision center in Dublin. This event inspired me to hold a fundraiser on behalf of those who live in similar situations. I wanted to help in some way the best I could, ”Tanya said.
In addition to raising money, you want to raise awareness. She received a CCTV photograph of the perpetrator and the men who helped her.
“Several people came to the conclusion that it was one of the colored men who robbed me. It makes me sick to my stomach that people can be so racist. I would like to highlight the kindness of these men and I hope it encourages people to think twice before making quick judgments, ”said Tanya.
He created a GoFundMe page called “December Falls for Direct Supply and ICHH.” It would be quite difficult to get into the water, but Tanya swims to a buoy and returns.
“Usually I try to stay in the water for about 10 minutes, doing laps,” he explains.
Tanya says that the current economic climate is challenging for many people right now, but any level of support would be greatly appreciated.
“If you can, consider making a donation to this worthy cause and alleviate a bit of the hardships of the less fortunate. This year has been especially difficult for everyone, although most of us are fortunate to have a comfortable, warm home that provides privacy and a safe space for family and friends.
“Those in Direct Provision or homeless don’t have this luxury. The place is not theirs. They are in confined spaces without privacy and even basic hygiene and sanitary products, which we take for granted, are not readily available. For those on Direct Provision, their families may be thousands of miles apart. Living in these conditions is degrading under normal circumstances, with the addition of Covid it has been elevated to inhuman, “said Tanya.
She continues: “Before the Covid pandemic, the main crisis Ireland faced was homelessness. This crisis has not gone away and has continued to worsen amid Covid-19. The ICHH is a charity that aims to help the homeless on the streets, but also provides food and support to people in crisis. Right now there are a lot more people looking for his help. “
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