A National Geographic explorer from Dublin has raised a whopping amount of money for homelessness with his breathtaking travel photos.
Vincent Butler was behind this initiative to raise money for homeless charity the Simon Community.
Mr Butler launched a fundraising initiative for the charity around Christmas.
Every 10 euro donation would result in a copy of the book being sent to a nursing home or a school.
The Dublin explorer raised over 12,000 euro, which will result in every nursing home in the country receiving the collection of photographs taken from his worldwide travels.
More than 800 primary and secondary schools will also be gifted one.
Mr Butler said: “My travels provided me with an opportunity to explore some of the most diverse locations in the world and to capture different geographies, wildlife, natural history and heritage.
“My camera was my companion to capture these very special experiences and the book picks out the finest pictures and most memorable of these.
“I hope it gives people in our nursing homes and schools an insight into the different countries and cultures I was very fortunate to get to know and provokes discussion, curiosity and enjoyment.
“Those who contributed were supporting not just the Simon Community but also expressing solidarity with people in our nursing homes during these difficult times.
“I am delighted to report that the Irish tradition of ‘meitheal’, the coming together of a group of people to help others, is very much alive in our wonderful country.
“When I broached the idea for the fundraiser a close cohort of 18 friends came onboard and joined me. Together we raised €12,357 and every book we are sending has supported the Simon Community.”
There are twenty-five countries represented in the collection of pictures, from the Arctic to the Sahara.
Some od photographs were taken from the explorer’s worldwide travels when he worked as a lecturer aboard the expedition cruise ship.
The book was published in back in 2018 and nursing homes and schools will get a copy to support the Simon Community initiative.
The project has received supported from An Post’s freepost service for parcels being delivered into nursing homes.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit vincentbutlerheritage.ie where people can donate on Vincent’s Simon Community page.
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