Living in Armenia in 1999, schoolboy Arsen Khachatyran was overjoyed to receive a shoebox packed full of essentials such as towels and toothpaste in addition to small toys and treats.
Arsen, whose family lived in poor housing conditions and struggled to secure work, was determined to one day thank the schoolgirl who had sent her specially-made shoebox 2,500 miles from her home in Galway.
Arsen's determination paid off and this week the father-of-one arrived in Ireland to meet Claire Fahy who made his Christmas in 1999 one to remember.
Highlighting the impact the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal has on those who receive them, Arsen joined forces with Claire and TV3's Ireland AM to support the incredible initiative.
Commenting on her selfless endeavour all those years ago, Claire, now 24-years-old, said: “Our teacher asked us if we could imagine waking up on Christmas morning with no presents. She explained that for many kids around the world, the shoebox is the only gift that they would receive.”
“This made me think of how lucky I was and that I really wanted to make a difference, especially at Christmas,” she explained.
Eager to recreate the delight felt by Arsen upon opening his shoebox in 1999, the organisation is urging families, schools, community groups and businesses across the country to make a lasting impression on children in Africa and Eastern Europe by delivering over 200,000 gift-filled shoe boxes this year.
Reflecting on the incredible importance of the appeal, Niall Barry, Team Hope Executive Director said: “Witnessing the emotional meeting between Arsen and Claire this morning shows so clearly the reality of what a positive impact the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal can make.”
“Poverty and need is on the increase every year in the countries we visit and we see at first hand that our Christmas shoe boxes help bring joy, laughter and hope to children living on the margins of society, victims of war, disease or poverty," he explained.
Equally enthused by Arsen and Claire's meeting, Orla Nolan, Ireland AM producer said: "There is such a great need to be met in some of the world’s most underdeveloped countries and so good to see how these gift-filled shoe boxes can help turn what will otherwise be just another day into something special for these children.”
Speaking from his own experience, Arsen gushed “It was incredible. We opened the shoe boxes and saw lovely gifts like clothes, toys and other small items all the way from Ireland. I received a lovely note from Claire too with a beautiful photo.”
If you want to make the same impression Claire did on Arsen all those years ago, you can find out more here!
