As most of our readers are aware at this stage, the inimitable James Foley is retiring from ESB and from ElectricAid today. Throughout his 14 years of service and through almost 2,500 funding proposals, James has been so much more than the loyal servant of ElectricAid, he has been its knight in shining armour, its backbone and in so many ways, its leader.
James has overseen the rapid growth of ElectricAid, seeing it become Ireland’s premier occupationally-based charity and a fund that brings in and sends out roughly €1.2 million annually. He has done this with great spirit, humility and character. James’ work is not restricted to impressive office statistics – it is acknowledged by people living in some of the most poverty stricken areas on the planet. Please take a moment to read an email from Mr Kakooza Sulaiman in Uganda after hearing of James’ departure:
“I remember our first application to you was requesting for Mattresses and Beds our children were sleeping on floor and sharing 3 children per mattress. But when you approved our application it was a great joy for us and this change the standards of living for these vulnerable children and when Mr. McGarrigle came to school witnessed your contribution towards these children. We also now having solar electricity at our school, I don’t know how you feel but our children are proud of you”.
Newly elected Chairperson of ElectricAid, Éadaoin Smith, had this to say of James’ departure:
“I’ve been working with James for many years now on the Committee, he is the face and voice of this charity, known across our membership, ESB, EirGrid and in the remotest corners and neglected slums of the world’s least developed countries. James has cared for both the members and the beneficiaries of ElectricAid for fourteen years, his legacy is a charity to be proud of in every respect. James’ most recent success has been to pass responsibility over to his colleagues, ensuring ElectricAid remains in safe hands. We’ll miss his wit and unique turn of phrase. I wish James a happy and healthy retirement on behalf of the ElectricAid Committee and membership”.
Proudly, James is bowing out in a similar vein to how former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald left Aer Lingus – being replaced by 3 people and a computer (!). We all wish him well with his future adventures, wherever he finds them.
electricaid.ie 