As Global Ambassador for @HopeFoundation @hopekfoundation @HOPE_UK, it was a genuine honour to be invited to Dublin yesterday to speak at HOPE's Annual Fundraising Gala. It was also a pleasure to share the platform — and the top table — with the wonderful @MiriamOCal. She is every bit as warm, insightful and humble as she appears. I also had the pleasure of meeting @NorahCasey for the first time. Businesswoman, publisher, broadcaster and former Dragon — but above all, a remarkable woman with whom I had a fascinating conversation about some of the social issues that matter deeply to us both. The evening was, of course, about HOPE and the extraordinary work it continues to do in Kolkata. But it was also an opportunity for me to pay tribute to its founder, @MaureenForrest Twenty-seven years ago, Maureen began with just 14 girls living on the streets of Kolkata. Today, HOPE has transformed countless lives through education, healthcare, protection and opportunity. Maureen has devoted her life to one simple but powerful vision: "A world where it should never hurt to be a child." I have been fortunate to travel the world and meet many remarkable people. Some people build successful businesses. Some build great institutions. But very few people build hope. Maureen Forrest is one of those rare individuals. One reflection stayed with me after speaking to so many people throughout the evening. Perhaps success looks very different from what the world usually celebrates. Success is a child who is safe. Success is a child who is educated. Success is a child who smiles because someone cared enough to change the course of their life. A special word of appreciation also to Maura Lennon, CEO of HOPE — a leader for whom I have enormous respect. She has become a close personal friend and she is one of those rare people who continually inspires others to do more, give more, and care more. I ended my speech by thanking Maureen for reminding all of us what a life of purpose truly looks like, and for showing us that hope is not simply something we feel...It is something we do. @jeremyironsnet

We’re proud that #CalcuttaRun supports the fight against homelessness. @HopeFoundation is a charity working with children in Kolkata, India @Dublin_Simon supports thousands of individuals & families experiencing homelessness To donate idonate.ie/team/ThePanel26 #CalcuttaRun26

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our tag rugby and tennis teams, who excelled in this year’s Calcutta Run fundraising events. Well done to everyone involved and who helped raise money for @HopeFoundation and the @SimonCommunity.

Last month, the @CalcuttaRun 2025 took place at the @LawSocIreland, and what a great day it was! Well done to all involved, and thanks to all who donated to our fundraising page. All funds raised go to @HopeFoundation & @Dublin_Simon. #calcuttarun25

The children from HOPE's residential childcare centres marked 'World Day Against Child Labour'. At HOPE we believe that every child deserves to live a life free from exploitation and are committed to realising our vision of 'a world where it should never hurt to be a child'.

A huge thank you to Josh Cooper who ran @TheCorkMarathon on Sunday in aid of HOPE. We are also grateful to our ambassador Alison Oliver who helped to organise this amazing effort. Their fundraiser is still open if you would like to make a donation: idonate.ie/fundraiser/Alison…

Thank you so much for your support @MiriamOCal

Thank you so much for the support!

Thank you so much for the incredible support!

Well done team, thank you so much for the support!

1 week to go! 👟 We wish all our fellow #CalcuttaRun25 competitors the best, and thank the amazing volunteers, musicians, medical staff, crew from @1escape, and the team at @kefrongroup. Often, the people BTS don’t get enough exposure and credit, so here you go. See you there!

Thank you so much for your support Miriam!

The children in our projects had a wonderful time celebrating Holi!

Exposure visit of students from Lifeskill Unit of @HopeFoundation Kolkata at our #Shrinkhala cargo handling site, which is just 2 KM from @SMPort_Kolkata! #exposurevisit #learning #industryvisit #growth #collaboration #learning #support #CSR

The children in our projects recently celebrated Saraswati Puja - a festival which honours the Hindu goddess Saraswati & marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. The children had a wonderful time and enjoyed the festivities immensely.

The children from HOPE's Naboasha Centres & Education on Wheels celebrated Indian Republic Day on Sunday. It was a proud day observing the unity & diversity that makes India a proud nation.

Would you like to donate any unwanted Christmas gift sets/presents? We are looking for gift donations for our Annual Cork Lunch Raffle where proceeds will go towards street-connected and slum-dwelling communities in Kolkata, India. Email aoife@hopefoundation.ie for more info

A very happy Women's Christmas or Little Christmas to all of our supporters! Here's to all the amazing women around the world. As today is traditionally the last day of the Christmas season, we would like to thank you all for your kind donations.

Our colleagues Sarah and Alan were delighted to attend last week's official @CalcuttaRun cheque handover at the @LawSocIreland. The cheque for €325,000 was handed over to the @simon_dublin and @HopeFoundation representatives. #CalcuttaRun2024

A huge thank you to the wonderful @CalcuttaRun team & @LawSocIreland for raising such an incredible amount in aid of HOPE in 2024. Our CEO of International Operations, Maura Lennon, was delighted to attend the cheque presentation at The President's Hall, Blackhall Place.