O.N.E. branch launch 2021 Fuchsia Appeal
O.N.E., the national charity for homeless veterans of the defence forces, is to hold its annual fundraising Fuchsia Appeal from September 25 to October 1. The charity has a strong branch in Mullingar. Over the week, members and volunteers will sell fuchsia emblems to raise funds for veterans.
The campaign, which coincides with the charity’s 70th anniversary, is in aid of defence forces veterans who have experienced severe circumstances including homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues.
O.N.E.’s current services cost in the region of €1m annually, which will rise to €1.5m to adequately address the needs of veterans and to finance the associated services.
O.N.E. assists Defence Forces Veterans with transitioning back to civilian life through the provision of accommodation and also provides mental health resources, including help with addiction and peer support.
The charity also aids veterans in their search for employment, sustaining permanent housing and has a 90% success rate of getting people who stay in O.N.E. homes back into mainstream living.
O.N.E. operates four homes in Athlone, Cobh (opening in October 2021), Letterkenny and Dublin, and a fifth home is planned for Cork City. The organisation currently provides accommodation (board and lodging) for approximately 54 veterans.
The O.N.E. Fuchsia Flag was raised by the cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena, at Áras an Chontae on September 10 last and it will fly until October 1, in support of veterans of the Irish Defence Forces.
The ceremony was also attended by members of ONE (Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann) Westmeath Branch.