L-R Breege McDaid, Patrick Morrison, Ant Hanlon of Fréa and Consul General of Ireland for the North of England, Sarah Mangan
Fréa celebrated the launch of their St Patrick’s Day fundraising campaign by inviting Sarah Mangan, Consul General of Ireland for the North of England, to take part in Fréa’s Big Irish Breakfast.
Over a delicious spread, members of the Fréa team including Ant Hanlon, Breege McDaid and Patrick Morrison explained how they want Irish people everywhere to join Fréa’s Big Irish Breakfast from 11-17th March and raise much-needed funds for the vulnerable Irish communities across the North of England.
“Throughout the last year, we have seen rising numbers of Irish people across the North of England struggling daily with the cost-of-living crisis, poor physical or mental health, social anxiety or isolation, an increase in homelessness, and women and children seeking refuge from domestic abuse,” said Breege McDaid of Fréa. “And these struggles mean they often miss out on these wonderful days of joy and connection.”
To support Fréa’s lifeline services for vulnerable Irish people, the charity is asking supporters to do three things: take a photo of their breakfast, tuck in and make a donation. “A Fréa Big Irish Breakfast can be whatever you want it to be, from a cup of tea to a full Irish,” explains Breege. “And you can do it solo, or you can use it as an excuse to connect with friends, family and colleagues - in person or online.”
Fréa is looking forward to seeing breakfasts happening all over the UK, Ireland and beyond. “We’re asking people to use the hashtag #FreaBigIrishBreakfast when they post on social media so that we can see how far Irish hospitality is spreading - and to inspire as many people as possible to support Frea’s life-changing work.”
Sarah Mangan, Consul General of Ireland for the North of England, was interested to hear more about the campaign. “Fréa does fantastic work to support our most vulnerable community members across the North,” she said. “St Patrick’s Day is an important chance to connect with our Irish identities, with other members of the Global Irish, and with Ireland itself. Supporting Fréa’s Big Irish Breakfast is a lovely way to make those connections and to support those unable to share in the excitement of St Patrick’s Day because of the challenges they face.”
Every donation, big or small, changes lives. “A takeaway coffee might cost £3, but a £3 donation to Fréa buys a box of 120 teabags for one of our dementia groups,” said Breege McDaid. “At the other end of the spectrum, £100 provides safe temporary accommodation for a mother and her children fleeing domestic abuse. Every penny raised goes towards Fréa’s lifeline services for Irish people of all ages across the North of England.”
