Ireland Fund of Canada hosts annual St. Paddy's Day event

Tourism Ireland was onhand for last week's Ireland Fund of Canada luncheon, where top partners joined the tourism board and hundreds of others for the annual event in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day on March 17.

"The work that the Ireland Fund of Canada does to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development, in all of Ireland and in Canada is important and Tourism Ireland is proud to sponsor the Ireland Fund of Canada Luncheon once again," said Dana Welch, director. "The luncheon is one of the signature fundraising events and a great opportunity to celebrate the rich connections between Ireland and Canada."

This year's event was in honour of the late Jim Flaherty. The former minister of finance was a long-time supporter of the Ireland Fund and as such, a memorial fund has been established in his name by the organization to benefit charities with a focus on youth, specifically acccess to education & peace and reconciliation throughout Ireland and across Canada.

Distiguished guests from Canada and Ireland both took to the podium to share words about the relationship between the two countries, which are now connected more than ever.

Five airlines are now connecting Canadian cities to Ireland, which some called "the gateway to Europe."

The Ireland Fund of Canada connects people of Irish heritage to bring positive change within Canada and Ireland shaping culture, reconciliation and enhancing education. The organization raises money through individual donors and signature fundraising events, such as this luncheon.

Photo: Front: Mary Heron, Aer Lingus; Tanya Johnson, Royal Irish Tours; Eric Drinkwater, Merit Travel; Dana Welch, Tourism Ireland. Back: Eamonn Ferrin, Air Canada Leisure Group; Tanya Warren, Tourism Ireland; Vijay Bathija, Air Canada Leisure Group; Patrice Geske, Globus family of brands.