Sir, - In this age of consumerism, all of us must be vigilant that we do not lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. It is a time when we can show our love and appreciation for each other. Traditionally, we do this by exchanging gifts.
Trocaire has launched an innovative campaign which reflects the true Christmas spirit. People are being given the opportunity through our Global Gift Campaign to give a worthwhile present to their friends and family and also provide much needed development support to the world's poorest people for years to come.
Rather than spending money on a hamper or a bottle of wine, a person can spend £10 and buy 40 chicks for families in Central America. For £25, they can buy a present of a pig for a family in Honduras or £50 will buy a plough and oxen for use by six families in Kenya or Sudan.
All people have to do is contact Troccaire on 1850 408 408 and place their orders by December 8th. This will ensure an early end to their Christmas present worries. The Global Gifts are not short-term handouts but long-term investments in poor communities. They are practical responses to poverty.
They are long-lasting. And they offer great value for money. Let us spread the true spirit of Christmas into homes on distant shores. - Yours, etc.,
Justin Kilcullen, Director, Trocaire, Booterstown Avenue, Co Dublin.