International development charities Concern Worldwide and Bóthar today urged Irish people to spend selectively during tough financial times and help the poorest people in the developing world this Christmas.
"The people we are dealing with are not just cutting back," said a Concern Worldwide spokesman. "We deal with women heating up water to give to children just so they'll have something warm in their tummies."
Concern Worldwide today launched its 40th annual Christmas fast with the aim of raising €1 million. Fast mascot Basil the Bear was joined by Today FM's Ian Dempsey in Dublin's St Stephen's Green shopping centre to urge people to "Go hungry for Gloria" for 24 hours.
Six-year-old Gloria lives in one of the most dangerous slums in the world in Nairobi, Kenya. She has been taking care of her two siblings since her mother went missing during a hospital visit six months ago. Her situation represents the struggle of thousands of children the charity hopes to reach with the funds raised.
"It's tougher now the way things are going for charities to do well and people have to be more selective of whom they support," said Dempsey.
About 4,000 people and 200 schools will take part in this year's fast on December 3rd. A school teacher and two students from the top fundraising school will visit one of the charity's overseas programmes. It is not recommended for primary school children to fast for 24 hours, but they could give up something like sweets or television.
Individuals who raise more than €500 will be entered into a draw for a weekend away. Those who raise between €100 and €499 could win a fair trade hamper.
Darren Grant, who works in an organic supermarket in Blackrock, Co Dublin, is getting his five colleagues involved for the second year in a row.
"Not eating for one day long was extremely hard considering we were in a food store serving people food. It really does challenge you, but also reminds you of what people are going through," he said. "That hunger pang you're feeling is what a child can feel for days. It also reminds you of how people waste food. You really value your food more the next day."
Bóthar today launched its "Waste Not, Want Not" campaign which urges Christmas shoppers to give "gifts with meaning" through its catalogue, which provides Irish-bred livestock to the developing world.
"We know that this year has been a tough one for many Irish people but if it is tough on us we must consider how badly people in developing countries are being affected," said Bóthar chief executive Peter Ireton.
"We encourage everyone not to waste money this Christmas and choose a gift that will help save lives and create a sustainable future for people suffering in poverty in our world."