Cacto e Trevo (The Cactus and The Shamrock)

Hello

This year Mary and I met Geneci da Cruz Uí Fhátharta. We learned of the incredible yet nonfunded charity Cacto e Trevo, working in the Mussurunga area of Brazil - that she, Gearóid Ó Fátharta helped found in the early 2000s.

Geneci and her colleagues at Cacto e Trevo are products of a society and a system that led to their social, cultural and familial isolation and exclusion. However, with the help of various NGOs, they overcame the obstacles confronting them and finished their third-level studies. This challenging and arduous journey convinced them of the importance of education if one is to progress in life.

They wanted to help the youth of the community traverse this challenging climb to education. The center is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations and fundraisers. The volunteers teach English and computer skills and provide a safe space and sense of community for their local youth. Although Geneci lives in Conamara, she teaches three times a week over zoom.

The money we raise will be used for - Water, electricity, telephone, internet, building maintenance, volunteer transport, supplies and food.

Anything we can raise will be a help. We understand there are so many in need in the world at the moment, so anything you can donate is very much appreciated.

On June 28th we set off cycling the Coat to Coast (Hadrian's Wall Route) 240 Kilometers across four days. We would very much appreciate it if you could donate and help us raise money and awareness for a very worthy and hardworking charity - Cacto e Trevo.