Toronto : St. Patrick's Luncheon : March 2003

The Board of The Ireland Fund of Canada was overwhelmed by the generosity that was shown to us at this year's 20th Annual St. Patrick's Luncheon held on March 14th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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The Ireland Fund of Canada decided to donate all the profits raised from the Honorary Irish program to Special Olympics Canada so that their athletes were able to attend the 2003 Summer Games being held in Dublin this June. Unfortunately, despite the diligent hard work of our Patron John Dunne and the St. Patrick's Luncheon Committee we fell a bit short of our targeted goal - $60,000 short to be exact!

This is the point where I must thank our extraordinary friend Mayor Hazel McCallion of the City of Mississauga. Mayor McCallion urged the crowd to step up to the challenge and assist The Ireland Fund of Canada in our efforts to raise funds for Special Olympics Canada. Having our guests stand up one by one and pledge their support was a moment that I know our friends will not soon forget.

I am proud to announce that with the generous donations we received at the Luncheon we were not only able to fulfill our commitment of $100,000 to Special Olympics Canada, but we have far exceeded our own expectations!

Thank you to everyone that helped us reach our goal. I would also like to thank you on behalf of Special Olympics Canada for assisting the athletes in their dreams of attending the 2003 World Summer Games.

Although there are many uncertainties in life these days it is certainly comforting to know that the spirit of giving is still very much alive and well in Canada. On behalf of the Board of The Ireland Fund of Canada I thank you for your generosity. I would also like to wish Team Canada the very best of luck - I have no doubt that you will make us proud!

- William J. Neill, Chairman - The Ireland Fund of Canada