Local friendship inspires Wicklow charity challenge

A local friendship between a Polish native and a well-known community volunteer has inspired a fundraising effort for the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association.

Kasia Kolodziej, who works in administration at Munster Joinery, is taking on the 7km Hell and Back obstacle course in Wicklow on Saturday, September 5.
Originally from Luban in Poland, Kolodziej settled in the town three years ago following spells in Killorglin and Castleisland. Upon arriving, she formed a close bond with long-standing local volunteer Theresa Looney, who has dedicated over four decades to supporting kidney patients across the county.
Looney originally helped establish the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association after campaigning for local dialysis facilities to prevent patients travelling to Cork for treatment. She was also a founding member of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, which helped secure the dialysis unit at University Hospital Kerry, and continues to manage local self-catering holiday homes for visiting patients and their families.
Kolodziej has already raised over €1,700 online to support the upkeep of these holiday homes in Killarney and Tralee.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her challenge, Kolodziej praised the support she received from her friend when moving to the area. “When I moved to Killarney three years ago, Theresa took me under her wing,” she said. “She has a heart of gold and was very kind to me. And now I want to give something back.”
To prepare for the course, which involves mud, water, and steep climbing obstacles, Kolodziej has been training at Peak Performance Academy. She explained that while obstacle runs are a step outside her comfort zone, she is eager to tackle the course to raise vital funds and encourage local families to discuss organ donation.

Kasia’s online fundraising link will remain open until October 5, with donations welcome. To donate online visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/kasiakolodziej641
For more information on the work of the Irish Kidney Association and how to get an organ donor card, including a digital donor card that can be stored in a mobile phone wallet, visit www.ika.ie

Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series

Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and activities taking place across the town from September through December.

The initiative sees the community committee team up with local Champion Organisations to offer inclusive, adapted sessions for children, teenagers, and adults.
Funding from Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund supports the upcoming autumn and winter programme.
The series begins on Saturday, September 19, with an outdoor rock climbing day in the Gap of Dunloe organised alongside Roam Wild. The session offers dedicated teen and adult climbing slots designed to build confidence in a supportive setting.
In October, West End House will host a three-week series of inclusive classes on October 7, 14, and 21. Separate hourly sessions will run for teenagers aged 13 to 17, children aged 9 to 12, and adults aged 18 and over, with capacity capped at 10 participants per group.
The programme continues in November with creative art sessions at The Art House, before joining the wider Christmas in Killarney celebrations in December.
During the festive season, Autism Friendly Killarney will provide sensory and quiet spaces at the annual Christmas parades to assist attendees who find large crowds and noise challenging.
Organisers confirmed that further community partnerships are currently being planned for early next year.
Booking details for all events are managed directly through the individual partner venues, with places allocated on a first-come basis. Further information on upcoming sessions is available via the Autism Friendly Killarney website and social media channels.