Ирландиялық қайырымдылық ұйымы – қарттарға көмек қолы (SHARE)

Irish charity organisation

Students Harness Aid for Relief of Elderly (formerly Schoolboys Harness Aid for Relief of Elderly) or SHARE, is a charitable organisation based in Cork, Ireland, dedicated to providing housing and other support for the elderly poor. An article in the regional Southern Star newspaper reputedly stated that SHARE had "brought help and hope, homes and happiness to the lonely old people who have been forgotten by society". The organisation was founded in 1970 by Brother Jerome Kelly and students of Presentation Brothers College, Cork, to deal with the social issues of the time. Other schools in Cork later joined, until representatives from 18 secondary schools were involved with the charity. Since its founding, over 200 custom built homes have been provided by the organisation. Work by the members of SHARE is year round, but its most active period is the Christmas Fast and Fundraising Campaign, when over 1800 students have been involved in collecting in Cork city centre. The charity's sole collection period lasts only ten days, which has made it a recognisable part of the Cork Christmas season. It has received recognition from the media, from Irish political figures, and the people of Cork; but it is the involvement of students from all of Cork city's secondary schools which has reportedly made SHARE "a truly unique and effective organisation".

In 1969, Brother Jerome Kelly returned home from missionary work and was made principal of Presentation Brothers College. He organised a series of workshops, in which the students of Presentation College were encouraged to think globally and act locally. At first they aimed to help the elderly by renovating the "depressing attic rooms and tiny basement flats," until the uncaring landlords increased the rent. The students obtained the support of the civic leaders at the time for their project, getting "free land in key areas of the city," and were then "faced with challenge of fundraising and ensuring homes for the elderly were built." These students are typically fifth year or senior cycle students. Pres maintains a strong presence on the committee, with the chairman typically elected from the school. The organisation's sole collection period each year is the "Christmas Fast & Fundraising Campaign", which starts on 14 December and spans the 10 day run up to Christmas. Here the elderly have "the freedom of their own comfortable space in a safe environment", On the opening of the 100th SHARE house, President Hillery said: "SHARE's achievements demonstrate a generosity and dedication on the part of young people which is an inspiration and challenge to us all". Each year since Br. Jerome's death, the Br. Jerome Lecture has been held in his honour, on social issues and the involvement of SHARE in the community. Guest speakers in the past have included Micheál Martin, Pat Cox and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The Taoiseach described the SHARE project as "a model of active citizenship", "character building" and "satisfying and empowering":

In 2007, the SHARE residents endorsed the organisation's 38th Christmas Fast & Fundraising Campaign.