MS South Kerry launch '100k in May' fundraiser

By Michelle Crean

COVID restrictions meant a tough few years for a lot of charities but with fundraising back to in-person events one in particular is seeking your support.

For a second year running the MS South Kerry branch is holding its '100k in May' to help raise funds for local services for members suffering from the condition.

"Last year's donations kept us going for the second half of 2021, we raised nearly €8,000," Jillian Jones from the MS South Kerry branch, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It came to life from a conversation with Éilís Flemming, a supporter of the branch. COVID is still causing charities to suffer across the country and this is the year we feel the branch will be really affected as our current finances only allow us to plan for the first six months of 2022."

During the pandemic members were able to keep active as physio and exercise classes were transferred online with a 400% increase in attendance.

"We will continue to do this as the response has been great as we can't open our centre due to the limited spaces and cost of rent, which fortunately we haven't had to pay since the start of COVID. We now have seven therapists working for the branch across South Kerry based in Cahersiveen, Cromane, Killarney and Kenmare. Fortunately due to some of the needs of our members they are receiving house calls."

In the early '70s MS Kerry was set up, then in 1978-79 it divided into three branches; MS South Kerry, MS Tralee, and the MS Society Listowel/North Kerry.

"In the South Kerry branch we have about one hundred plus members, a variety of ages from mid-20s to 80.
There are more in the area but have not reached out yet. The members greatly miss meeting up. These group meetings are valuable as it's hard to talk to family and friends as the same level of understanding is not there."

In recent weeks the branch has been able to start their church gate collections again but they are significantly down on 2019, she added.

"We are struggling to have enough collectors for the church gates and other planned fundraisers. If anybody is able for forthcoming events please contact us mssouthkerry@gmail.com. We are hoping to have the Busking August Bank Holiday and the Old Kenmare Walk in October."

To support the branch go to GoFundMe: '100k-in-may-2022' and make a donation.

For those who may need support the Community Welfare Officer is Siobhan Lynch based in Killarney.

You can also contact the MS Society, Southern Regional Office, North Quay House, Pope’s Quay, Cork
Phone 021 4300001, email: southern@ms-society.ie or ring the MS Information Line on 1850 233 233.