An Post issued a stamp in recognition of the children’s charity, Barnardos Ireland.

Barnardos was founded by Thomas Barnardo, who was born in Dame Street, Dublin. At the age of 16, he decided to become a medical missionary in China, and went to London to train as a doctor.

At that time, poor housing, overcrowding, poverty and disease were common in London’s East End. Soon after his arrival in London, an outbreak of cholera killed more than 3,000 people and left families destitute.

Seeing first-hand the impact of this suffering on children, many of which were homeless and begging on the streets, Dr Barnardo, abandoned his missionary plans and set about improving the lives of these children. By the time of his death in 1905, the network of some ninety Dr Barnardo Homes, he established, were providing care for around 8,000 children.

Since Dr Barnardo’s death, the Barnardos tradition of caring for children has evolved and grown. In1962, Barnardos expanded its work into the Republic of Ireland. Barnardos (Republic of Ireland) was established as an independent branch of the organisation in 1989. Barnardos Ireland, as it is now known, has grown to become Ireland’s leading children’s charity. Operating out of over forty centres across the country, it provides numerous support services for vulnerable children and their families.

Source: Irish Post

published October 17th, 2012