Medical Aid Palestine and Cooking for Freedom

Hi everyone,

We're running the Dublin Marathon on Sunday 29th of October. It's the first marathon attempt for all three of us so we want to use the run to raise money for two really worthwhile causes.

The money we raise will be split equally between Medical Aid for Palestine's Emergency Gaza appeal and Cooking for Freedom, a collective in Ireland which directly helps people living in direct provision in Ireland. Below are the reasons we chose these two organisations.

Medical Aid For Palestinians

Everyone is aware of the horrors currently unfolding in Palestine. Medical Aid for Palestinians has launched an unprecedented emergency response amid growing critical health needs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, resulting from the current escalation of violence and Israel’s ongoing bombardment and complete siege on Gaza.

Medical Aid for Palestinians runs programmes, designed and delivered by Palestinians, provide access to essential health services and build local knowledge and skills to address Palestinian health problems. In times of humanitarian emergency such as right now they are in a position to respond rapidly with aid and assistance.

MAP is calling on the international community to take urgent steps to secure a ceasefire, rescind the evacuation orders, and ensure civilians are safe from attack wherever they are. They are demanding an end to the siege and the collective punishment of Gaza's population, and unimpeded safe access for humanitarian supplies and medical teams.

MAP also emphasises the urgent need to address the root causes of violence, including the now 16-year blockade and closure of Gaza and decades-long occupation.

For more info visit: https://www.map.org.uk/

Cooking for Freedom

Cooking for Freedom is run by an incredible team of people with experience of living within the asylum system in Ireland. We know this system falls short in so many ways, including accommodating international protection applicants in buildings that are not fit for purpose. Many direct provision centres lack cooking facilities, with most not allowing microwaves, kettles or toasters in rooms. Meals are often provided, and are not culturally or age appropriate for the diverse population it supports.

This has negative health (both physical and mental) consequences for residents, particularly children and those with specific nutritional needs. This impactful collective, formed in November 2017, recognises this injustice. Cooking for Freedom aims to give back the joy of cooking to their service users. The team have kitchen spaces around the Dublin area, and provide all the ingredients for service users. This service allows people to cook a culturally appropriate, nourishing meal for their family. People living in DP centres can self-refer into this service.

Their funding is entirely donation-based, and all money raised goes directly into buying of ingredients and utensils. Karla has referred people to this service and has witnessed first hand the great work they do. Facebook Page:https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100066170989930

Thanks to everyone who is in a position to donate. We hope we'll see some of you at the finish line! xx