Many parts of the Northeast have been devastated. Hurricane Sandy has left us with unimaginable misery in terms of destruction, dislocation, and despair. Areas with extremely high concentrations of Hibernians truly resemble war zones where dark and heatless homes faced this frigid morning with temperatures averaging 25 degrees.

I realize you have seen the tremendous loss on TV. A neighbor of mine told me that when a newscaster showed people burning their own furniture to stay warm, he had to stop looking at the evening news.

But we, as Hibernians, cherish an Irish Catholic legacy that compels us not to look away, but instead to consistently respond to the needs of those among us and around us. If we are to fulfill the enduring mission of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, then we know that it is our responsibility to reach out with assistance and the support of our prayers so that spirits broken by a sense of helplessness will not soon be crushed by an added burden of hopelessness.

In an emergency conference call last night, the AOH National Board unanimously voted to donate $25,000 for AOH Storm Relief. In addition, a program has been authorized to both process donations and provide an opportunity for Hibernians impacted in various ways to request assistance from their Hibernian Brothers. We are counting on the generosity of our State Boards, County Boards, Divisions, and all Hibernians everywhere. If every Division, County Board, and State Board were to contribute at least $200, we would total well in excess of $100,000 without even counting the generous donations from each of our members!

HOW TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION:

• All checks MUST be written: Pay To The Order of Hibernian Charity.
• Memo portion of your check MUST read: AOH Storm Relief.
• Send all donations to Edward Dougherty, Hibernian Charity Sec—7236 Brous Ave, Phila, PA 19149

AOH Storm Relief Request Forms available from: State Presidents OR aoh.com (website) http://www.aoh.com/?page_id=625 OR from Seamus Boyle–3097 Willits Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114 (shay39@comcast.net)

Brothers, because the will of God is the need of the hour, I ask this entire Order to please respond generously and immediately.

Fraternally and gratefully,

Brendan Moore
AOH National President