AIB Sandymount Autism Fundraiser

aib Catherine Flannery. Niamh O'Leary and Debbie Dyas

The AIB branch in Sandymount recently devoted an entire day to hosting a charity event in the battle against autism in Ireland. The charity the bank chose to support is Irish Autism Action, for whom they held a fundraiser in their branch on Friday, August 21st.

The intention of the day’s events was not just to raise much-needed funds for this particular charity, but also more specifically to help fund the purchase of equipment for a local boy named Reece, who is affected by the condition.

Local businesses were asked to make their own contribution by donating platters of food, which were subsequently displayed on the branch floor, with bank staff on standby collecting on behalf of the charity throughout the day. Over the course of the day, customers were invited to take advantage of the refreshments on offer and to possibly make whatever donation they desired. NewsFour made the brief pilgrimage to Sandymount to chat to Branch Manager Debbie Dyas and Retail Manager Niamh O’Leary, the latter being the first mode of contact with Irish Autism Action on the bank’s behalf.

“It’s for a great cause,” O’Leary remarked. “This morning we had breakfast going, this afternoon there is more coming. I must say that the whole of Sandymount Village and Ringsend have really got onboard. We’re trying to raise funds for a special pushchair for Reece.”

The branch was a bustling hive of activity as soon as the doors were open to the public first thing in the morning. Businesses from Sandymount and Ringsend donated their own goods, including Cafe Java, Butler’s Pantry, Tesco, Sandymount Hotel and a host of others. NewsFour spoke to Branch Manager Debbie Dyas, who seemed delighted at the turnout and at the generosity shown by the community.

“A lot of people came by in the morning. We’re hoping for a huge crowd throughout and hopefully we’ll get it!” They did indeed.

By Craig Kinsella