Youth Work Ireland today launched its annual national fundraiser GLOW (Go Light Our Way), which is set to become Irelands largest ever Sky Lanterns event. The Organisation which represents 22 local voluntary youth services throughout Ireland will oversee the release of several thousand Sky and Earth Lanterns all around the country in April. The aim of the event is to brighten the future of young people in Ireland by lighting lanterns (both sky and earth) on Thursday April 25th 2013 at 9.00pm. As a national fundraiser local youth projects, clubs, schools and businesses can purchase the lanterns for their local events or simply to support important youth projects in local communities around Ireland.

Speaking at the launch Pat Byrne “The Voice of Ireland” Said “I have worked with young people in Youth Work Ireland locally and have seen the impact that youth work has on them. Personally, I found it really rewarding to work with them and see the improvement in their musical talent and their confidence”

“GLOW has been a really great experience for us in Naas Youth Project. We took part in an early event to plan the work and to record our hopes and dreams for the future. We had great fun as a group painting and decorating our lanterns in our local youth project and releasing them as part of the launch on Sandymount Strand. The event on April 25th is going to be really amazing, we’re really looking forward to being part of Irelands biggest Sky Lantern event and to helping to brighten the future of young people throughout Ireland for the future” added Megan (15) from Naas Youth Project.

“Young people are facing the biggest crisis our country has seen in decades. Unemployment beckons, emigration rises and mental health problems are rife. Our services offer young people a safe space in their community where they can have fun, do something that matters, and be heard. We are asking everyone in Ireland lanterns to raise funds to brighten the future of our young people. You can take part in a local GLOW ceremony or organise your own GLOW event.” Said Jennie Blake Head of Development with Youth Work Ireland

Press Release
March 5th 2013
Youth Work Ireland