Keeping the faith: The Irish Children's Fund is
a not-for-profit, nonpolitical and interdenominational
reconciliation program that brings 12-year-old Protestant and
Catholic children from Belfast, Northern Ireland, together for a
five-week stay with host families in the United States. Its goal is
to "encourage tolerance, understanding and respect for religious,
political and cultural beliefs of others."
How it works: While in the United States, the
youths interact with one another at planned outings, at meetings and
by playing together. Indianapolis-area coordinator Chris Sheperd
said hosts take the children to activities such as Indianapolis
Indians games, and they attend Camp Tecumseh north of Lafayette.
Back in Belfast, the children continue follow-up meetings. Those who
attend for three years can make a return visit to their U.S. host
families.
Local chapter: Six Indianapolis families still
are needed to host children this summer, said Sheperd, who organized
the chapter nine years ago after visiting Chicago, where his
sister's family hosted a child. The Irish Children's Fund was
founded in Chicago in 1982.
Raising funds: It costs $850 for each child's
expenses, including air fare and camp. Local host families help
raise the money through a dinner and silent auction and a golf
outing. This year's dinner and auction, featuring Irish music and
dancers, will be at the Knights of Columbus, 71st Street and
Keystone Avenue, in March. Tickets are $25. The golf outing is set
for April. Dates are still being determined.
For more information: The Web site is
www.icfkids.org. Sheperd can be reached at 1-317-253-8493,
1-317-513-1330 (cell) or cmcb.golf@ prodigy.net.
Chris Sheperd
Title: Indianapolis-area coordinator, Irish
Children's Fund
Quote: "I think (the program) teaches our kids
tolerance as much as it teaches the kids from Northern Ireland. It
helps everyone involved learn more tolerance."
-- by Beth MurphyGroup helps Irish children be
tolerant