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SOURCING
We visit Ireland to find most of our items, where our sources range from cottage crafters to brand name suppliers such as Belleek and Waterford. Also many of our Irish and Celtic themed items come from Scotland, Wales, England, Continental Europe, the United States and imported from Asia.
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Creative Irish Gifts was founded for the sole purpose of financially supporting the activities of the Irish Children's Fund, Inc (ICF). This is a not-for-profit organization that fosters understanding between Protestant and Catholic youngsters in the troubled areas of Belfast. Both non-political and interdenominational, ICF has enriched the lives of over 3,000 children since its founding in 1982.
Summer Program in Northern Ireland
As part of ICF's reconciliation program, 100 twelve-year olds from segregated Belfast neighborhoods have been selected each year to spend a one month summer holiday in the United States. Represented in equal numbers, these Protestant and Catholic children bear the scars of deep historical hatred. Hosted by American families, the youngsters take part in a wide range of activities, including a summer camp that uses team games to build trust and encourage cooperation.
Year Round Program in Northern Ireland
When they return to Belfast, the reconciliation process continues. Dedicated staff brings the Protestant and Catholic children together through overnight weekend visits and month-long summer camps in the country. They also transport the young people to weeknight activities at community centers in Belfast for swimming, volleyball, soccer and socializing. With the help of trained facilitators they conduct conflict resolution sessions in which the young people learn to better understand one another and gain trust.
Teen Program
The young people who attend the year round program on a regular basis for three years are then eligible for a return visit to the U.S. A required element of the teen program is a community service experience while in the U.S. On completion of the 3-year program with two visits to the U.S. the teens earn a Certificate of Achievement for their commitment to ICF's cross-community program.
To learn more about the program contact:
The Irish Children's Fund, Inc.
55A St. Charles Road
Villa Park, IL 60181
Phone: 630 833 1910
Web: http://www.icfkids.org
"I commend the vital work of the Irish Children's Fund at this critical time in our history. I hope that they can continue to work towards a healthy and prosperous society where diversity of tradition and culture are embraced".
-Mary McAleese, President of Ireland
"We are grateful for the marvelous work you have done in helping bring peace to Northern Ireland. It came about over many years through working quietly at a grassroots level, little by little, one child at a time. Finally, people have embraced real change...now to begin the healing!"
-Dr. Marjorie Mowlan, Ex. Secretary of State, N. Ireland
"We will continue to live with the legacy of the Troubles. It will take a long time for the hurt to go away...at least another generation".
-Gary Rocks, Director of the ICF's program in Northern Ireland
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God".
-Matthew 5:9
Meet the Children of the ICF
Amy Gilmore
"I think my experience in America was brilliant. I would like to thank my host family for taking me in and making me part of their family. I still keep in touch by email, phone and the odd letter. I hope to get the chance to return again."
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Michaela Delaney
" I really enjoyed America. My host family was so loving and welcoming. They
made a big effort to make me part of the family. My Photo Album gives me many happy memories of when I was in America. No matter when I look at it I get a feeling of happiness." |
Conor Scott
"I'm enjoying myself and having fun at the weekly meetings in Belfast.
ICF has made me stronger and more comfortable to talk to and make friends with people from different religions."
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Jack Millar
"I look forward to going to the weekly meetings as it means I can catch
up with my new friends. I will always remember my time in America and hope
I return again in three years time."
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