THE IRELAND FUND OF CHINA INAUGURAL DINNER
Thursday November 13th 2014
Conrad Hotel Grand Ballroom, Hong Kong
150 supporters of The Ireland Fund of China were joined by Irish Rugby Legend Ronan O‘Gara and the key executives of the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA), one of our chosen beneficiaries who were on hand to inform and educate guests on their important work.
Donal Boylan, representing The Ireland Fund of China, kicked off the evening by introducing Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide Ireland Funds President & CEO. Kieran spoke to the importance of The Ireland Funds, the recent upsurge of interest in Asia prior to a showing of the latest Ireland Funds’ Promising Ireland Campaign Video.
A screening of the Irish Guide Dogs Promotional Video followed dinner, before Brian Francis, HKGDA Director of Business Development and Training provided a compelling overview of the Hong Kong charity’s important work. HKGDA supports independent living in a barrier free society for all local residents delivering a free service for people with visual impairment, autism and other disabilities. Trader Ip, one of only 10 guide dog users in Hong Kong shared her personal life changing experience due to her beloved guide dog ‘Riley’.
The scene was set for a blind charity auction where eager guests generously bid for the privilege of naming a guide-dog puppy, for Ronan O’Gara personally autographed Irish & Munster rugby jerseys plus a Roy Keane autographed Ireland Soccer jersey ( arranged by our other key beneficiary Irish Guide Dogs ) . Ronan O’Gara then captivated the audience by taking questions from the floor with the insightful Peter Ryan acting as MC.
The evening has resulted in a significant profile for The Ireland Funds amongst the Irish and their friends in Hong Kong, and significant funding for the benefit of both the Irish and Hong Kong Guide Dogs.
