About

ABOUT BEKIND IRELAND

Main object

  Bekind Ireland's main object, as per our governing document, is:
"The relief of poverty through the direct provision of funds raised in Ireland to recognised charities working among the poor, homeless, orphaned and needy children in Calcutta" 

Meet our Founders

Shane Flanagan

Shane is a Founder and Secretary of Bekind Ireland. He first travelled to Kolkata, India with his school in 2004, and experienced first-hand what poverty looks like. This inspired him to do more for those less fortunate than himself, which would lead to the founding of the charity just a few years later.

Shane travels to India with our student volunteers groups every two years. When not in India he supports us by organising fundraising events, managing the finances of the charity, and supporting the governance of Bekind Ireland by arranging regular board meetings. 

Brian Flanagan

Brian is a Founder Director of Bekind Ireland. He was initially inspired to
visit India in 2005 by his son Shane's experiences in Kolkata a year earlier. It was only by going as a volunteer himself, with his lifelong friend and now fellow director Niall Dalton, in 2005, that Brian realised the huge need of the street children of Kolkata.

Brian travels to India at least once a year and has formed relationships with the people behind the organisations with whom we work. These personal relationships ensure that all funds raised go directly to those most in need, and are not wasted on administration and non-essential costs.

Our Story

Bekind Ireland was set up by Brian and Shane Flanagan in 2007, following their shared experiences in India. Since then, strong bonds have been formed with existing organisations and institutions in India, which has enabled the charity to reach out to many needy people. We have received huge support from our local parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, Laurel Lodge.
In 2008 Brian brought a pilot group of students from Castleknock Community College to Kolkata. The trip was very successful, and so he returned in October 2009 with a larger group. The fundraising campaign run by this group exceeded all expectations and the proceeds have since helped many people in India. Since then, Bekind Ireland has brought several groups of students from a number of different schools to India.
On 16 January 2012, we opened our first protection home, Bekind Boys’ Home, a home for then 20 vulnerable, underprivileged boys, who were orphaned, abandoned, destitute or living at risk on the streets or slums of Kolkata. Bekind Boys’ Home is now home to 25 boys and has supported over 35 children since its opening.

Since its foundation, Bekind Ireland has raised over €925,000 to help the poor in India.

Become part of our success story and help us to support those who cannot support themselves, by donating or getting involved today!

Become part of our success story

    • Share by: