Hi there! I'm Maggie and this year I will be taking on two challenges to make a differences to two causes close to my heart. I will be cycling 200km from Groningen to Amsterdam and running the Dublin Marathon in October. I am going to be splitting the proceeds between  Merchants Quay and the Columban Sisters in Burma. As someone who is half-Burmese and half-Irish, I want to use my privilege of living in Ireland to give back to my people.

Here in Ireland, drug usage has becoming an increasing challenge in recent years (cocaine, opioids, cannabis and benzodiazepines). Merchant's Quay Ireland provides indispensable services to those experiencing homelessness and addiction. From safe needle programmes to medically supervised injecting facility, rehabilitation services and access to various healthcare services, their work changes many peoples lives.

Another cause important to me is Burma (Myanmar). It was recently struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives. This is compounded by the already desperate situation faced by many Burmese -- due to the ongoing military coup d'etat since 2021. Any additional proceeds will go directly to the Columban Sisters of Wicklow, who will oversee the essential construction of housing and the building of wells for clean water. Every donation, no matter how small, will making a profound difference to the people of Burma.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your support, it really means a lot :)