some of the staff and Ambassadors from the various embassy's at the launch on Wednesday in Dublin.
Photo: John Mc Elroy. 
Claire Fitzpatrick
The Papal Nuncio is leading diplomats in helping “protect the vulnerable” in Ireland as he announced the charities that will be supported at this year’s International Charity Bazaar (ICB).
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo told ambassadors and their spouses at his residence last week that they’ll be supporting four charities that cover a range of ages and circumstance.
At the Bazaar, 41 embassies and Ireland will celebrate multiculturalism and international community, manning stalls offering regional foods and souvenirs, and 11 countries will perform native song and dances. The money raised will be donated to charities, with some €800,000 already distributed to charities on this year’s roster.
According to ICB President, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, the spouses of ambassadors select charities “based on what is most relevant for the time and the country”.
ICB was founded 12 years ago by the wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan to Ireland as a relief initiative to Pakistan earthquake victims. The event’s success encouraged its continuation, through which now the Diplomatic Corps in Ireland and local communities unite to raise money and awareness for those suffering in Irish society.
This year, ICB has chosen to fund Room of Our Own – Modh Eile Domestic Abuse Service by COPE Galway CLG, Nationwide Friendly Call Service by Friends of the Elderly, Beads of Courage by Childhood Cancer Foundation and Let’s Cook & Learn by Cottage Autism Network Wexford.
Dr Okolo describes the current mission of the ICB as not just ambassadors wanting to connect with local communities, but people who are genuinely investing in charities who help Irish people, adding that “these are efforts to support people in difficult situations”.
The ICB will take place on November 17 at RDS Industries Hall from 11am to 2.30pm, entrance fees are €5 but children have free admission.
