Niall Mellon Township Initiative

Last October, Jimmy Keating, Network Projects Supervisor, Leopardstown and fellow ESB Networks colleagues Ray Gorman and Niall Mulhall headed out to South Africa as part of the Niall Mellon Township Initiative. This is a unique housing scheme that has helped hundreds of poor families move into decent affordable housing for the first time. Having raised €27,000 between them, the 3 men set off to help build houses for some of the 12,000 people living in the community of Hout Bay. The trip was a huge success and in November this year, Jimmy is returning to Cape Town as part of a 700-strong group of Irish building volunteers, who are aiming to build 100 houses in the township. In addition, they also hope to build a library completely fitted out and including six computers for the local National School, which has over 1000 pupils.

Jimmy would be delighted with any sponsorship that readers of EM can give. He is also involved in organising Bric-Brac Sale in "Our Lady of the Wayside" National School, Kilternan, Co. Dublin on Sunday 16th. October, 2005 from 10a.m.-6 p.m so your support would be appreciated.

Alternatively, if you wish to support the school directly, there is a special school fund administered by five independent trustees. You can make the impossible possible for these children by making a donation to:

Friends of Oranjekloof School.
Ulster Bank A/C No. 08470038.
Blanchardstown. Sort Code.98/50/21.

For further information, contact Jimmy Keating at 087 8278672 or 01-2957145 or see www.irishtownship.com