Support Amnesty drive

SIR, — Most of us will be sending Christmas cards out over the next few days to our friends and families. Amnesty International asks that a thought be given to prisoners of conscience, for families whose relatives have disappeared, for people in danger for defending human rights and those facing the death penalty.

Each year, Amnesty International’s Mid-Down Group, meets together to send Christmas cards to such people around the world. Sending a card with a simple, personal greeting is a powerful way to show support for someone facing human rights abuse. Every card matters. The cards bring comfort and hope; they offer encouragement, support and raise spirits. Above all, they are a sign showing that people care and that the individual is not forgotten.

The cards can also make an impression on police officers, prison staff and political authorities and that can help to improve the way in which they treat individuals at risk.

We will be at Daisies this Saturday, 10 December, in the St. Patrick Centre at 2-4pm with cards, envelopes and pens signing 150 cards and will arrange to send them. We invite all who would like to change their kind thoughts into action and send a card to come along and join us.

Amnesty International would like to thank Downpatrick’s own folk choir, Voices of Lecale, for the signing they did last Thursday evening after singing at the switching on of the Christmas lights completing 140 cards already.

Yours etc.,

PHILIP NYE,

Chairman,

Mid-Down Group,

Amnesty International.