Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
- Matthew 5:9

Being “Irish-by-Marriage” (my wife’s grandmother came from the island of Inishbofin off the coast of Galway) and appropriately wearing a wedding band based on a Celtic knot design, plus a Claddagh ring on the right hand, it is inevitable that we occasionally receive the Creative Irish Gifts catalog. And we do – occasionally – order through the catalog.

Unlike other catalog offerings this one supports a very special purpose. The following represents a quote from the catalog:

Creative Irish Gifts was originally founded for the sole purpose of financially supporting the activities of the Irish Children’s Fund, Inc. (ICF). The ICF is a not-for-profit organization that fosters understanding between Protestant and Catholic youngsters in the troubled areas of Belfast. Both non-political and interdenominational, ICF programs include a Teen, Summer and Year Round Program in Northern Ireland that have enriched the lives of over 3,000 children since its founding in 1982.

Summer Program in Northern Ireland

As part of ICF’s reconciliation program, 100 twelve-year olds from segregated Belfast neighborhoods have been selected each year to spend a one month summer holiday in the United States. Represented in equal numbers, these Protestant and Catholic children bear the scars of deep historical hatred. Hosted by American families, the youngsters take part in a wide range of activities, including a summer camp that uses team games to build trust and encourage cooperation. More information about all of the programs of the ICF can be found on www.shopirish.com.

“I commend the vital work of the Irish Children’s Fund at this critical time in our history.”
- Mary McAleese, President of Ireland

To learn more about the program contact:

The Irish Children’s Fund, Inc. at
835 Sheridan Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-852-1925
Web: www.icfkids.org

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THE BLEEDING HILLS
A Novel by Wilfried F. Voss

I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
- 2 Timothy iv. 7

The Irish War is officially a part of history, but not for Finnean Whelan, an IRA veteran of almost 40 years. British Intelligence has produced evidence that he is the mastermind behind a conspiracy to assassinate the First Minister of Northern Ireland. For Whelan this is not only a mission of revenge, but marks the beginning of a journey into the past and the return to the one true love: Ireland. [More...]

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