Volunteering
Prior to establishing her own firm in November 2017, Lisa spent several months with her husband, volunteering at the all-boys orphanage in the city.
“It was something I always wanted to do, helping vulnerable people is very close to my heart,” said McKenna.
The orphanage housed ten children, with some parents incarcerated and others unable to care for them.
As volunteers, Lisa McKenna and her husband offered the children caring support during their stint at the orphanage.
“At the time we were there, we were the only volunteers. The kids called us ‘Aunty’ and ‘Uncle’, which distinguished us from other carers who were coming in, caring for them, and then leaving again.”
None of the children knew their date of birth, so they all celebrated their birthday on the same day with one cake.
Lisa explains that the children lacked the love that comes with being part of a family.
Presence not presents
Before leaving, Lisa bought gifts, but says it was clear that it was “presence, not presents”, that the children needed.
Back home, and at work in Ireland, Lisa has bought three computers for the orphanage.
“The most popular job position in India is IT. If you’re someone who is well trained or computer-literate, you can easily obtain a position, and thus find a home and create a life,” she explains.
Job opportunites
The teenagers have to leave the orphanage on their 18th birthday, but computer skills give them real job opportunities.
“Since they got the computer, the boys have actually won prizes in IT skills and educational advancement,” Lisa says proudly.
McKenna & Co Solicitors got firmly behind the Calcutta Run this year and helped to raise valuable funds for the charity.
It is encouraging those who haven’t already contributed to make a donation on the Calcutta Run page at iDonate.ie.