Gig for Gaza raises over €4,500 in aid funding
The Gig for Gaza, which took place last weekend, raised over €4,500 in aid funds for the region.
Those attending the event gave €10 on the door while donations were also taken online. Cash donations were split evenly among three charities providing aid to Gaza; Gaza go Bragh, Uisce go Bragh and the TEA collective, while those donating online could choose between the three.
Megan De Síun, who is a member of the Cavan Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity campaign, praised the “incredible response” from the community, adding that it was “beyond” what the group expected.
“Everyone who walked through the door was not just there to give their time or their money but they were there for an honest and open discourse about the genocide that's going on and about how they feel frustrated and let down by the state who throughout the election in particular have been using Gaza as a political bartering chip.
“The achievements we have had locally with this is clearly and loudly saying that the people of Cavan are not satisfied with a government that says one thing and does another.
“Clearly we are showing that we want deeds not words from our representatives.”
She reported that Blessings Bar where the gig took place was “packed to the rafters” for the night.
“The atmosphere and the performances were really electric, it was probably one of the best nights of entertainment I've had in Cavan for a really long time.”
The organisation had an initial aim of raising €3,600, which would equal ten trucks of water for Gaza.
“To absolutely smash that out of the water was beyond what we expected.”
Funds will also go towards Uisce go Bragh, who fund water tanks and provide water to people in Gaza, with donations equalling to four trucks of water; Gaza go Bragh, an Irish-based charity who will donate food packages and the TEA Collective who will donate winter clothing for “people who are now displaced and obviously living in completely unsuitable conditions.”
“They're facing yet another winter,” Megan explained, adding that they are experiencing “bitterly cold” conditions.
Megan thanked all of the local artists and Blessings Bar who hosted the event. Supporting artists included Savage Hearts, Bold Boy, Indigo's Ego and comedian Kevin McGahern.
“We're just so incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to put their entire self into these events that we're organising.”