ECHO News- Diarmuid Higgins, Cobh Branch, Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE) at the Cork launch of the Fuchsia Appeal. Pic: Larry Cummins. Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, also known as ONE, launches its Fuchsia appeal commemorating the 70th anniversary of its foundation in 1951. ONE, the national charity for homeless veterans of the Defence Forces, has today launched its annual Fuchsia appeal at Dublin’s Mansion House and Cork City Hall. The fundraising campaign, which coincides with the charity’s 70th anniversary, is in aid of Defence Forces Veterans who have experienced severe circumstances including homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. The week-long event which runs from 25th of September until 1st of October will see members and volunteers sell fuchsia emblems to raise vital funds for veterans. ONE’s current services cost in the region of €1 million annually and this will rise to €1.5M to adequately address the needs of veterans and to finance the associated services. The aim of the appeal, launched in Dublin by the Chief of Staff designate of the Defence Forces, Major General Sean Clancy, and in Cork by Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy, is to raise funds and increase knowledge of issues affecting veterans of the Defence Forces. ONE is a registered charity that works to assist Defence Forces Veterans in obtaining permanent housing, access to mental health support and re-integrating back into civilian life. ONE assist Defence Forces Veterans with transitioning back into civilian life through the provision of accommodation and also provides mental health resources, including help with addiction and peer support. The charity also aids veterans in their search for employment, sustaining permanent housing and has a 90% success rate of getting people who stay in ONE Homes back into mainstream living. ONE operates four homes in Cobh (opening in October 2021), Athlone, Letterkenny and Dublin, with its fifth home being planned