There was a nationwide fundraiser in aid of Ireland’s Hospice Foundation on September 15th last. Bewleys provided the coffee free of charge for all fundraisers, with €2 gathered from every cup of coffee and all the proceeds have gone to the local hospices of those who fundraised.
A coffee morning was held in aid of the Harold’s Cross and Blackrock Hospice at the Cambridge Court Senior Citizens Complex in Ringsend. This event was organised and run by the local GAL Group from the Ringsend/Irishtown area for their first year. The fundraiser had previously been in the capable management of Mary Thompson, Angela Murphy and the Sandymount Community Services for many years.
At the event there was a raffle, with many prizes donated from local shops in the community. They included bottles of wine, hampers and vouchers. Sponsorship came from the local pharmacies, Clyne’s Butchers, the publicans of Ringsend and the shopkeepers. Cakes were provided by members of the local community, along with presents and money donations.
Local politicians such as Jim O’Callaghan TD, Councillor Paddy McCartan and the local Lord Mayor Alice Foley were all in attendance at this event to offer their support.
Local GAL member Ida Rooney stated: “Numbers were generally seen to be good as it was deemed to be a successful event. The GAL group would like to thank the local community for their generosity and support for the hospice services which provide great love and care for the elderly and the dying.
“Local schools and crèches supported the event, with both pupils and teachers present to mark the occasion. Notably, the headmaster of St. Pats Boys School in Ringsend won a huge teddy bear as a prize from the raffle and made himself a new best friend!”
The total raised by the coffee morning fundraiser amounted to €2,558.
By Robert Fullarton