# Charity defends fundraising event with Army band

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/09/17/charity-defends-fundraising-event-army-band/
- Published: 2012-09-17T15:34:02+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

An Irish children’s charity has been criticised because of its planned participation
in a fundraising event with a British army band.

According to the [Sunday Independent](http://www.independent.ie/national-news/charity-lashed-online-over-fundraiser-with-british-army-3230155.html),
the charity has been singled out for an ‘abusive campaign’ on the Internet after
it was revealed that it would receive funds from a charity dinner and concert planned
for the K Club featuring the band of the Irish Guards.

The Irish Guards band were invited to play at the K Club by an organisation representing
uniformed staff from the Republic’s fire, ambulance, coast guard and Defence Forces
as well as the gardai. The organisation, known as SESIF (Security & Emergency Services
Ireland Forum), nominated the Jack & Jill Foundation as the beneficiaries of any
monies raised from the event.

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Criticism of the Jack and Jill Foundation for participation in the event has been
posted on the charity’s Facebook page. Comments made reference to the British army’s
involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as Northern Ireland.

The charity’s CEO and founder Jonathan Irwin said they were ‘honoured’ to be part
of the event on October 5th. Mr Irwin said that with less than 18 per cent of its
budget coming from the HSE, Jack & Jill has to raise more than €2m this year to 
keep this vital service going.

“We are grateful for all the help and support we can get,” he added.

www.jackandjill.ie

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