IRISH-TAIWANESE COMMUNITY HOLD FUNDRAISER FOR MORAKOT VICTIMS

On Wednesday 9th September, the Taiwanese Community in Ireland did their part in contributing to the relief-aid efforts for the victims of the Morakot Typhoon by hosting a fundraising event in conjunction with support from the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland.

On the night, a number of presentations were given, including a slideshow of the damage caused by the Typhoon and another slide show of Taiwan's beauty as captured by photographer Michael Bunn in happier times. At the end of the evening, a total of more than €4,000 was raised.

Most of this was raised through a succession of raffles, and all prizes were provided for the cause free-of-charge by the evening's many generous sponsors. A number of prizes were also donated by members of the event's organizing team. A selection of Taiwanese foods were available on the night, again provided by members of the community keen to make a contribution to the cause.

This contrast between Taiwan's beauty and the destruction caused by Morakot - of what was, is, and can be again - was one of the themes of the night. However, the dominant theme was certainly that of pride: pride of the Taiwanese people in their country and in the way it has faced up to the task of reconstruction and recovery, and pride in each other and in the way Taiwanese people throughout the world have all stood up, pulled together and contributed to the relief effort.

A number of short speeches were given on the night. Dr. Paul Mooney, the President of the National College of Ireland, told the audience of his love for Taiwan, his hope that recovery would be swift, and his desire "to meet again in happier times". Deputy John Perry, speaking as Chairperson of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society, conveyed his deepest condolences and re-iterated the wish for a speedy recovery. On a more personal note, Deputy Perry related how he had in the company of a trade delegation from Kaohsiung when the terrible news broke.

Representative Lee began his address with a short anecdote illustrating the spirit and pride of the Taiwanese people. He informed all those present that he was also stationed overseas, in Canada, in September 1999 when Taiwan was rocked by a ruinous earthquake. Almost exactly ten years apart, he attended relief-aid events organised by overseas Taiwanese communities.

He told them that he was "overwhelmed by the response in Toronto" and that "the same is equally true here tonight". Although the community in Ireland is considerably smaller than that in Canada, its members have shown great zeal and enthusiasm for Taiwan, and through their efforts, he said with visible pride, they represented everything that was good about Taiwan and marked themselves out as true ambassadors for their country.

Representative Lee was also quick to commend those Irish people in attendance for their support, and spoke of the overall reaction of the Irish population to the typhoon, which "demonstrates the powerful bonds between the Irish and Taiwanese communities and peoples". Having the sympathy and support of friends of Taiwan, he said, "offers some solace at this difficult time".

He also expressed his appreciation for the support of the international community in this dark hour, and his belief that it was the result of Taiwan's own charity in years gone by ; that "those who do charity will receive charity". News that the Irish government had donated €30,000 through the Taiwanese Red Cross was warmly received, a gesture that "maintained this country's proud reputation for compassion and generosity".

Representative Lee closed the night by thanking National College of Ireland (NCI) for hosting the event, Deputy John Perry for showing his steadfast support, and Michael Bunn for his contribution through his photographs, four of which were raffled off as the biggest prize of the evening. He also asked the audience to give their special thanks to the organizers of the fundraiser for all their tireless efforts, without which the night would not have been possible.

He finished with a statement of hope and optimism, telling those present :

"The island is fragile now, but I am confident that Taiwan will recover in time, stronger, more spirited and more united than before. Thanks to you, this process will be that little bit quicker."