National Report 2003 - William J. Neill, Chairman

Cead Mile Buiochas!

Every once in a while I am pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support that The Ireland Fund of Canada receives from the community. This generous support was prevalent at two of our recent 2003 events, Colm Wilkinson & Friends in Concert and at the 20th Annual St. Patrick's Luncheon.

An Intimate Evening with Colm Wilkinson & Friends was held on February 28th at Roy Thomson Hall. The concert was arranged as a benefit concert in support of Aids relief in Africa through The Ireland Fund of Canada, Celtic Studies at the University of St. Michael's College and Casey House Foundation. The concert not only sold out, but it also raised a generous amount towards the above projects. Thank you very much to all of our supporters that purchased tickets to this event, to the sponsors who participated in this concert and to Colm Wilkinson, Aaron Wilkinson, Susan Gilmour, The Nylons and The Campbell Brothers for making this concert such a memorable night. I would also like to thank National Board Member Robert G. Kearns whose tireless efforts in organizing this fantastic event are very much appreciated.

I was also 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. 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