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Kerry Parents and Friends ‘Biddy’ fundraiser goes online

ONLINE: Members of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group, pictured here in pre-COVID-19 times, are taking their annual fundraiser online.
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
One of the most significant fundraisers for Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) has been forced to go online as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
KPFA offer a wide variety of services in Kerry to over 300 people with intellectual disabilities. They provide a broad range of support experiences and operate 30 centres countywide in day, residential, respite, home support and outreach.
The Killarney-headquartered but county-wide charity relies heavily on local donations and fundraisers.
One of its biggest fundraisers is its annual ‘Biddy’ tour where local musicians dress up in period-costume to mark the annual St Brigid’s Day religious feast on February 1.
“The Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group would visit practically every pub in the county between mid-January and early February,” Marie Linehan, Kerry Parents and Friends Association’s Chief Executive, told the Killarney Advertiser. “That is not possible this year.”
The annual ‘Biddy’ tour earns the charity around €7,000 and the absence of this year’s event will leave a large hole in their fundraising efforts.
Instead, KPFA have decided to take the tour online, with videos of previous years events to be broadcast on both the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association own social media channels. Viewers will be invited to make a donation to the charity while watching the videos.
Funds can also be donated by searching Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group on the GoFundMe.