This past Saturday CCPI board member Ali Hewson rappelled down Ireland's tallest building -- the Elysian in Cork City -- to raise funds for Chernobyl Children's Project International's Homes of Hope program.
Ali, who founded ethical clothing line EDUN and is married to U2's Bono, admitted to be terrified at the prospect of the jump -- but found her inspiration in Olga and Kristina, two young girls visiting Ireland for surgery who have lived their entire lives in the Vesnova mental asylum in Belarus. Funds raised will allow the girls, and others like them, to move out of institutions and into loving homes of their own. CCPI has already established 23 Homes of Hope in Belarus, where children rescued from orphanages can grow up in families.
Ali's sons John (9) and Elijah (7) were on hand as Ali noted that Olga and Kristina came into Ireland unable to walk, but will now be able to walk into a real home. The event was sponsored by students of Garda College Templemore and Ernst & Young. You can show your support by making a donation now. Ali: "If a lot of people give a little, it can mean so much."
The photo shows Olga, CCPI found Adi Roche, Ali, and Kristina. Olga and Kristina are recovering from surgery last week and undergoing therapy that will allow them to walk again and live independent lives.
