[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Christmas came early for our boys in Ashirbad home in Kolkata when Robbie Keane paid a visit!
Legendary Irish footballer Robbie Keane was a very special visitor to Ashirbad Boys home in Kolkata recently. Robbie played soccer and signed jerseys for the boys, showing great compassion for the children who are helped by HOPE. Ashirbad is one of twelve protection homes funded and operated by The Hope Foundation. Boys over 10 years of age who were rescued from Kolkata’s dangerous streets and slums are provided with a safe and protective shelter, in a loving and caring environment they can call home.
The visit was an afternoon of fun, laughter and of course soccer. The boys presented Robbie with a handmade thank you card and many new friends were made as well as new supporters for his club, Atletico Kolkata. To go from living on the streets and in slums, marginalised, abused and at risk of trafficking, to having a home, an education, their HOPE family and today a visit from soccer hero Robbie Keane is extraordinary for these children.
Commenting on the visit Robbie said: “I was delighted to visit the boys at Ashirbad home today, it was great to spend time there and lovely to see them happy and looked after by HOPE, who make a very real difference to the lives of the street and slum children in Kolkata.”
HOPE Hon. Director, Maureen Forrest would like to say a special thanks to Robbie and to all those who have supported the organisation in 2017 appealing to the public for support for the #WeAreListening Christmas Campaign this year in whatever form they can. “Every ounce of help we receive from visitors like Robbie and our supporters has the power to change a child’s life for the better, giving a future to a child who would otherwise have nothing. It is through people’s continued generosity that we can all make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas, you are the reason these children have hope for a future”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1512732284741{margin-top: 60px !important;}”][TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery content_images=”42133,42134,42135,42136,42137″ el_file2=””][/TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery][/vc_column][/vc_row]
