€8 a month will set a family in Romania with a small fishing unit of fifty fish fingerlings.

€16.50 a month will sponsor a dairy camel for a family in Kenya.

€25 a month will sponsor an Irish dairy goat for a struggling family in Uganda.

€150 a month will airlift an in calf dairy heifer to a family that has prepared to receive her in Rwanda.

Download a Republic of Ireland standing order form

Download a Northern Ireland standing order form

IMPORTANT: Don't send this form to your bank
Please just fill in your details and send to Elaine Moynihan, Bóthar, Old Clare Street, Limerick, Ireland. If you have any queries about making a regular gift to Bóthar please contact Elaine at 061-414142.

COLETA Otieno is 42 years old and married with 4 children. Driven by her desire to giving her children an education that she never had, Coleta decided to join the Oriang Women’s Group in Kisumu County. This group was supported in October 1999 with 12 dairy goats from Bóthar.

Prior to receiving the goats, the group was trained on modern dairy goat husbandry practices, sustainable development and social development. After successfully completing the training and the building of a zero grazing unit, Coleta received the gift of one female dairy goat through the group’s “passing on the gift” process.

Once she had honoured the conditions of receiving the animal, by passing on the first born kid to another needy family, she sold the second offspring at the local market and was able to use the money to send her eldest child to Mbugra Secondary School, a reality that Coleta thought she would never see. She is confident that she will be able to send all her children to school now and even has hopes that one of children will make it to university.

 “The impact that the goats have had on our lives is truly wonderful; not only have they provided enough surplus income to educate our children but they have improved the health of my family as we get so much nourishment from their milk. Thank you so much – the benefits we have so far enjoyed are much more than our initial expectation,’’ Coleta rejoiced.

• Once the cow has its first calf and begins to milk the impact that she has on her new family is enormous.  In most cases it means that the family has its very first opportunity to have a daily supply of milk. They can also sell or barter the surplus produce locally. In this way they can start to earn an income with which they can send their children to school and buy needed medicines, clothes and supplies.
• Manure collected from the cows is also used as a rich fertiliser on land and helps to increase vegetable crop yields. Dairy cows will have a calf each year.Under the Bóthar programme each family is required to pass on the first female calf to another family who has trained to receive her.  After the family has passed on they can start to build up a small herd.
• Since 1991 Bóthar has been sending and using dairy cows all over the worlds to help struggling families to get started on the path to self – reliance.  Today we have cow projects in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.  Bóthar is working with families who have been ravaged by hunger and poverty, people who are trying to recover in the aftermath of war and families that have been devastated by HIV / AIDS.
• Bóthar has airlifted around 5,000 heifers to 7 countries. We currently send heifers to Rwanda, Kosovo and Albania.
• Bóthar project cows usually live to be 14 to 15 years, sometimes longer
• A cow is pregnant for about 285 days or 9 months

• An Irish dairy goat can produce up to four litres of milk per day. That’s four times as much milk as a local cow produces. This allows a family to enjoy a daily supply of milk in their diet and to earn money from the sale of extra milk.
• Goats’ milk has long been used by people with skin problems and with respiratory problems.
• After having had its first kid, it is very common for a goat to have twins or even triplets thereafter.
• Bothar has goat projects all over the world includinging Kosovo, Uganda, Tanzania & Nepal.

Read goat success story here

Donate a goat here

THE airlifted Irish heifers are slowly but surely adapting to Romanian conditions. The new owners are trying to make this transition period as smooth as possible for the animals by offering them good shelter and plenty of fodder.

After the original placement ceremony the Bóthar team returned to Rasca, to visit some of the beneficiary families and their new ‘black and white’ cow! The families are extremely happy and thankful for the high quality heifers! Here are some stories from two of the Bóthar airlfifts. Sorin (51) and Lenuta (39) Gansca have two children. Since the couple married in 1995 they have been living with Sorin’s parents in a humble, but clean home where their only source of income is agriculture. Prior to receiving their gift, none of the adults could find work and all they had to work with was an old horse and an even older mixed-breed cow. Nothing seemed to be working for the family, no matter how hard they tried.

“When it was announced that we were going to receive an Irish dairy cow from Bóthar we could barely sleep! We were there the day the cow arrived in our village and couldn’t believe our eyes, couldn’t utter a single word, because of the beauty of the animal. “Now every time I go in the barn this beautiful animal is there and it is ours to keep” said Lenuta with a trembling voice. This is the effect a cow can have on a needy family. This cow changed their lives. Another family that benefited was Gligan Teofil (31) and Marinela (25). They have a five year old boy named Flaviu. He picked the heifer’s name - “Stela”. Marinela just like any mother wants to provide her son with the best. For this she works hard every day. They have another cow in the household and a pig too. Her dream is to have more cows to be able to make cheese and sell it at the market. In March this year, a second airlift brought 70 in-calf heifers to needy families. The Coldea family, Gheorghe, Jenica and their two daughters Monica and Rodica, received their Irish dairy heifer on March 8, this year. They named it “Steluta” (in English the name means “Little Star”) and she gave birth to a male calf, 4 days after they brought her home.

Gheorghe‘s mother, Lucretia (83) is also living in the same household. Gheorghe used to be employed as a driver in Huedin, 20 km away from home, but now he is too ill to work. His meagre pension is the family’s only constant income. He is 15 years older than Jenica and his health is very fragile due to a severe heart condition. Even though he does some work, he relies heavily on Jenica as he tires easily. For her, family means everything. She is determined to support her daughters and help them in building a future.

Listening to Jenica, it is impressive to witness such inner strength. The couple makes hay and tends to the potato crops together. They have also two pigs and some poultry. With the horse and cart they work the land as they can’t afford to rent agricultural machines. It’s hard work but it’s the way the land was worked by their grandparents 30 years ago, and they are happy to do it.

These are very simple people that live their life according to tradition and with dignity. Jenica is hopeful about the future. “Once the calf is slightly bigger we will take more milk to the collecting centre. We take good care of our beautiful Irish cow; it gives us more milk than our old cow plus she is very friendly. We had no troubles with the heifer since she came through our gate. We thank those who sent her, as she is a blessing for us.”

PAT McCarrick from Tubbercurry in Co. Sligo enjoyed putting the book together and is delighted it’s selling so well as all proceeds go to Bóthar.

“Since I joined Bóthar back in 2004, I have had the opportunity to travel on a number of occasions to see our projects overseas. Now as Study Tour Director with Bóthar, I travel almost every year with supporters to places such as Tanzania, China and Kosovo. Common to all of these visits are closeup experiences of not just the places I visit but also of the faces I see; the place provides the project location but often the face tells the real story. All this, coupled with my interest in photography has given rise to the book. Over the past few years I have built up quite a collection of images from my travels and this fundraising book seems like an appropriate way to put them on display.”

The pages of the book feature images of people and places from many of the countries in the developing world where Bóthar animal projects operate. While great poverty abounds in these locations, hope and anticipation for a better life is also on display. In addition to this, stunning landscapes and bright colours are everywhere. Referring to the images in the book, Pat said, “I feel a good photograph should either tell a story or ask a question and that the interpretation should be left with those who view them. That’s really what this book is about; telling the story of those photographed.”

The book is also available on the Bóthar website here and costs €20 plus €5 P&P. Signed copies are also available direct from our Sligo Office; contact Bóthar Office, Mountain Road, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. Phone 071 9120100 or email pat@bothar.ie.

All profits from sales go directly to Bóthar.

Bóthar is calling on farmers throughout Ireland to send a calf to prison – literally – this spring in a project that will turn lives around in some of the poorest regions of the world.

The Chief Executive of Bóthar which uses livestock to lift over 6,000 families out of destitution each year across the globe has asked farmers to consider donating a dairy calf over the coming weeks to Shelton Abbey open prison where inmates will rear it before it is sent as an in-calf heifer abroad.

Launching its ‘Call for Calves’ appeal, Bóthar CEO Dave Moloney said that the Shelton Abbey experience over the past four years has been a ‘win-win’ for all concerned.  “The Shelton Abbey project is one of the best we have been engaged in over our 21 years in operation.  The dairy calves donated by farmers are superbly cared for by inmates under supervision by the farm managers at Shelton, whose support has been amazing.

“The inmates themselves get a lot from the project as they get to give something back to society, which is an important part of their rehabilitation.  Then there are the most important beneficiaries; the families living in the most abject poverty who are gifted the in-calf heifers.  This simply changes their world.

“They also receive training on how to care for the animal, which is in its own way a degree of formal education that they would not otherwise receive.   For the first time in their lives they get a quality and reliable food source.  They can also look forward to the in-calf heifer giving birth. The first female calf is passed on to another family so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

The Bóthar chief also commended the farming community for never losing sight of the fact that the need is so much greater elsewhere than it is here over the recent difficult years.  “The farming community has been incredibly supportive.  It has continued to give and give over the years in the knowledge that as tough as things have been here, it doesn’t compare to what others experience across the world.

“We are very grateful for that but our appreciation pales into comparison with that of the people whose lives these donations change forever.”

Farmers interested in donating to the project this year are asked to contact Dave Moloney, Bóthar on 061 414142 or dave@bothar.ie.  

Give Wedding Gifts with Meaning

It’s wedding time of year again when the big questions are what to wear and what presents to buy? Well these days most people have everything they need, so the traditional gifts of dishes and ironing boards are no longer necessary.

Why not give them a present that will last as long as their love? The living gift of livestock sent to a poor family is possibly the best gift that you could give the couple that has everything.

Is the bride a cow? Is the groom a goat? What about honeybees for the happy couple? Why not give the living gift of livestock from the Bóthar Gift Catalogue?

A Card Instead of a Cake

Who really eats cake? Here’s a novel way to be a bit different. Bóthar will supply you with a large personalised message that you can display instead of a cake, letting all your guests know that you are supporting Bóthar.

Wedding Gift List

For someone who has everything - you get to give something back! Work with Bóthar on your very own personalised Bóthar Wedding Gift List. It’s not everyone that can ask for a couple of kid goats!

Table Card

This is a more traditional way of letting your guests know that you are supporting your favourite charity. These cards are personalised with the Bride & Groom’s names. Just let us know how many tables you have and we can send out the cards to you!

Place Name Card

This is just another way of showing your guests that you are supporting Bóthar. Simply tell us how many people will be attending your wedding and we’ll send you out all the place cards you’ll need. There’s a space at the front of each card to fill in your guests’ names!

Your generous gift will put a destitute family on the path towards self reliance, income and education for their children and the many other benefits that result when people have the means to take care of themselves - a new future filled with hope and promise.

As the married couple looks forward to a loving and positive future, let them experience the joy of helping others to have the same.

Bóthar will use your gift to establish a struggling family in a small farming unit. Bóthar is committed to using the most appropriate farm animal for the environment, climate and culture of recipient families. Your donation also covers training and preparation of a family to receive an animal and full veterinary backup for a number of years.

But the really wonderful thing about giving a living gift from the Bóthar gift catalogue is that it is not just one family that benefits, each recipient must pass-on the firstborn female of their animal to another family that has been trained to care for it. In this way your gift keeps on growing. You can be sure that the gift that you give will grow with the happy couple for some time to come.

You can send a dairy cow, goat, fish, chicken or pig, rabbit, bees or trees. Bóthar has something for everyone’s price range.

To find out MORE contact maureen@bothar.ie

The project has sensitised over 150 members and members have received fruit and other tree seedlings to plant according to the land they have.

Through the sensitisation, more people are interested in learning about the environment and how to protect it. They have learned that they need to plant more trees to replace those that were cut.

The project has also assisted churches to plant pine and eucalyptus trees on their vast land to reduce soil erosion and encroachment. Their plan is to start selling eucalyptus poles for construction and leave others, which will be sold after six years, as electricity poles. The income raised will be used to purchase seedlings to pass-on to other parishes and individuals in those areas.

August 2011 saw more beneficiaries in the Gayaza parish receive over 350 seedlings of fruits and multipurpose trees. They were encouraged to plant trees to protect the environment and to sell some for income.

The seedlings were then handed over to group leaders by Rev. Kawooya, who thanked Bóthar and their donors, for accepting to fund agro-forestry under the Namirembe Diocese Tree project.

Neven will have you licking your lips in delight as he whips up a range of beautiful BBQ recipes, focusing very much on Irish produced ingredients.

Impress everyone at your next BBQ by learning some valuable cookery tips on how to get those burgers just right, do something different with your salads or perfect your sauces!

On the night, many of the shops and stalls from the famous Milk Market will be in attendance where you will be able to sample the extensive range of local produce and have the chance to purchase gifts with a difference and much more!

Doors open at 7pm, Neven starts at 8pm.

This is sure to be a wonderful event, so if you fancy brushing up on your BBQ skills - all for a good cause - book your ticket now!

You can book online by clicking here or you can call Alli on 061-414142 or email alli@bothar.ie

Date:  June 29^th

Location:  Limerick (UCL) Start & Finish

Distance: 80km, suitable for all levels of cyclist

Route: Circular route taking in Broadford, Bodyke, Scarriff, Kilaloe, Birdhill and Castleconnel  http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/156290873

Entry Fee: €25.00

Fundraising: Each participant will be asked to take a sponsorship card and raise €100 for Bóthar. (Optional)

Register Online:  www.eventmaster.ie/booking_plugin.php?event_id=238

 Contact Details: events@bothar.ie  or 071 9120100.

 Bóthar take great pride in organising worthwhile and professional fundraising activities including trekking and cycling events

Her farm size has increased from one to two hectares. There is year round availability and variation in foodstuff for the family as she cultivates vegetables. Protein intake in the family has increased from once a month to once a week. Fish and meat are bought with money from sales of milk, wool and food crops.

Agnes has also been able to dig a toilet for the family and is currently getting electricity connected in her home.

As a result of the knowledge gained in group management she is exposed to other associations in the community. This has increased her reputation both in her group and the associations in which she belongs. Agnes testifies that her standing in the community has changed, despite her status as a widow.

“I want to thank the donors who give their money to help less privileged people in the world like me. I want to thank Bóthar for their non-bias way of doing things because thanks to this approach, I was selected to be part of the project. In fact, I remain very grateful to the donors and Bóthar for all that they are doing for me and my children.”

Our base in 2013 will be the wonderful market town of Omagh Co. Tyrone. Local guides are in place to show us the very best of what the Sperrin Mountains have to offer the treasured Bóthar trekker.

Working this year with the highly esteemed Four Elements Adventure, Mark and his guides will lead us safely through the high and low Sperrins taking in the wonderful scenery, folklore, flora and fauna.  All walks are within 30 minutes of our base and transport each day will be by bus.   There will be 3 levels of walking catered for.

Red: higher ground longer distance 15- 18km

Amber: medium distance 12-15km

Green: shorter distance about 8 – 10km

Day 1, Friday 23^rd August, will take in Glenmacoffer and Mullaghcarn Mountain to the Gortin Glens as well as The Robbers Table and Glengawna. 

Day 2: Saturday 24^th August the Red walkers taking in Sawel and Dart Mountain. Amber Walkers will walk the Craignamaddy Circuit, this route offers stunning views of Glenelly and the Owenkillew Valley. The Green Walkers will view Barnes Gap and on to Banagher Glen.

Day 3: Sunday 25^th August, our final day, walks will take in An Creagán Forest & River Trail.

More information:

Northern Ireland

Contact Aoibheann on 048 90627308 or 028 90627308 or email: aoibheann@bothar.co.uk

Republic of Ireland

Contact Pat on 071 9120100 or email: events@bothar.ie

And for Garfield and Mizeki, a Bóthar cow is giving them an opportunity that no-one in their family has ever before experienced, the chance to grow up free from poverty.

It all started back in December 2005 when Daniel received a cow from Bóthar. On that day, Daniel knew he held the key to Garfield and Mizeki's future. He always recounts how he will never forget that day for as long as he lives.

Breaking the cycle of poverty is no easy task. But once again, the combination of one family's hard work and equal generosity from Bóthar supporters, like you, are proving that seemingly simple solutions often have the greatest results.

Anyone visiting the village of Msonthi, Malawi, today will see ox carts, bicycles and healthy children going to school because families now have a steady source of income.

But this was not always the case . . .

In fact, from the moment Bóthar arrived in the community, it was apparent that the situation there was desperate. Most families were experiencing chronic malnutrition, malaria and diarrheal disease; three of Africa's leading childhood killers.

Daniel’s, was one of 30 families in this remote village who signed up for a dairy project.

To look at Daniel's family before and after they received their cow is like night and day. Before Bóthar, the family lived in an old, one-room house with a leaky thatched roof and mud walls. After, Daniel was able to build what he describes as "a good house made of bricks with a tin roof."

It is strong, clean and safe.

Daniel knows that his actions today will be felt for generations to come. He felt this most when he became a donor and passed on his first calf to another family.

Daniel's cow has since given birth three more times — growing Daniel's herd, providing more milk to drink and sell, and ensuring very bright and promising futures for Garfield and Mizeki!