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Family Carers Ireland Launch Kerry Heart of Gold Fundraising Campaign
Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across Ireland, is proud to announce the launch of their national fundraising initiative, Heart of Gold, in Kerry.
Supported by Horizon, Heart of Gold is a special fundraising initiative dedicated to raising vital funds, awareness, and appreciation for family carers who selflessly provide care and support to their loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
The purpose of the day is not only to raise funds for Family Carers Ireland's critical programs and services, but to also raise awareness about the challenges faced by family carers. The proceeds collected will enable the organisation to provide crucial resources such as information, support, and advocacy for family carers, as well as drive policy changes that improve the quality of life for both carers and their loved ones.
The funds raised will be utilised to sustain the provision of essential and complimentary services that family carers rely on to care for their loved ones safely. These services include the National Freephone Careline, counselling, and respite, which are invaluable lifelines for family carers. In addition, Family Carers Ireland facilitate support groups, social events, training, and carers' forums to help family carers feel less isolated in their caring responsibilities.
Heart of Gold Day initiative is a chance for the people of Kerry to show their support for family carers by simply donating and wearing a special Heart of Gold pin. The pins will be available for purchase from volunteers on Thursday 15t and Friday 16 June.
Speaking about the launch Marie Fitzgerald, Local Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland said: "We are delighted to launch our Heart of Gold fundraising campaign in Kerry. The work of family carers is often unseen and undervalued, but it is essential. We hope that the people of Kerry will show their support for family carers by getting involved in this initiative.”
“This vital campaign aims to secure funds that will enable family carers to access crucial supports and services. The funds raised from the Heart of Gold campaign will enable us to sustain support for family carers in Kerry. Our focus is on providing group meetings, as well as connecting with family carers over the phone and through home visits, to ensure they receive the support when and where they need it.
"We invite everyone to join us on Heart of Gold Day to honour the incredible work of family carers and help us make a difference in their lives. With the support of our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of people in Kerry, we can continue to raise awareness, advocate for positive change, and provide vital support to family carers throughout Ireland."
Lynsey O’Donovan Family Carer said “Family Carers Ireland has been a lifeline for me and my family. Their support has helped us navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one. I am grateful for the work they do, and I know that with our support, they can continue to make a real difference in the lives of carers and their loved ones."
For more information on the Heart of Gold Day initiative or to purchase a pin, please visit the Family Carers Ireland website at www.familycarers.ie.
News
Fassbender ready for second Le Mans appearance
Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender is in the final preparation stages for his second appearance at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The iconic endurance race is celebrating its […]
Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender is in the final preparation stages for his second appearance at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The iconic endurance race is celebrating its 100th edition next weekend.
The Fossa star has already arrived in the famous French twon where he is involved in a week-long series of engagements including drivers’ parades, autograph sessions and more serious appointments like car safety checks, practice and qualifying.
Like last year, when he finished 16th in the LMGTE Am class, Fassbender has been entered in to the event by the German Proton Competition team with Estonian Martin Rump and the Austrian Richard Lietz.
Fassbender dreams of following the trajectory of fellow Hollywood actors Patrick Dempsey who was second in LMGTE Am class in 2016 and Paul Newman who finished second overall in 1979.
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Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.
Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.
The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.
Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.
Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.
She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.
“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”
In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.
In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.
last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.
During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.
This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.
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