Pictured is Ms. Mary Solan-Avison, Hon. Treasurer of the fund presenting a cheque recently in the amount of €10,000 to Mr. Cormac Lynch, CEO Camara Education for the supply of 100 computers to 4 schools in Uganda.

Promotional Campaign:

A critical review of the Fund was carried out during the course of 2005.

It was estimated at the time that of the total number of eligible employees and pensioners less than 20% were members of the Fund.

Arising from the review it was decided to; (a) set up a Fund website (launched in May 2006), (b) develop a new recruitment leaflet (copies available on request from the Fund’s office) and (c) commence a communication and recruitment campaign as soon as was feasible.

So far during 2007/2008 the following promotional initiatives have been undertaken by the Fund:

- The PMG magazine for retired staff has kindly carried under the heading ‘Message to Pensioners’ an article containing information and an application form in relation to the fund.

- Revenue have circulated an email to staff under the heading ‘Message to Revenue Staff’ giving basic information and containing an application form.

- The Magazine of the Department of Social & Family Affairs has kindly carried a promotional article and application form in it's Winter issue.

- Postnews were very accommodating in carrying a promotional article, some project photographs and an application form in it’s February/March 2008 issue.

- With the kind permission of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, the Fund recently held promotional days at their offices in Kildare St., Dublin, Johnstown Castle, Wexford and Portlaoise. The Department has also agreed to carry a promotional article and application form in an upcoming issue of it’s magazine.

- The Civil, Public & Services Union has recently agreed to carry a promotional article and application form in it’s magazine in the near future.

- The Commissioners for Irish Lights have also undertaken to insert a promotional article in their magazine.

- The Public Service Executive Union invited the Fund to have a promotional stand at it’s Annual Delegate Conference which was kindly accepted and appreciated. George Hartnett and Joe Maher, members of the Fund Management Committee staffed it for the Conference duration.

- The Civil, Public & Services Union afforded the Fund a similar facility at it’s Annual Delegate Conference which was again much appreciated. Joe Maher, Honorary Chairman of the Fund Management Committee staffed it on that occasion.

- The Fund also had a promotional stand, with their very kind agreement, at the Annual Delegate Conference of the Association of Higher Civil & Public Servants. It was staffed by Hugh Fitzpatrick, Honorary Secretary of the Fund Management Committee.

While all of the above initiatives have borne some fruit in terms of attracting new members into the Fund nevertheless it is felt that much more needs to be done. To that end the Fund intends to continue with additional initiatives in the coming year.

If you have any ideas in this regard or indeed you would like to assist the Fund in any way please feel free to make contact. We will be delighted to hear from you.

Remember the needs of the Developing World are in many cases beyond our comprehension. The Fund receives many more appeals for help than it can assist. It urgently needs your assistance to continue it’s very important work.