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A GROUP of intrepid cyclists and trade union members got on their bikes recently to generate cash for SouthWest Counselling Centre in Killarney.

Every second year the Impact trade union holds a national conference, and an idea to cycle to raise funds from Dublin to the conference venue was hatched over 10 years ago by Dessie Robinson, assistant general secretary, Impact, and Eamonn Donnelly, national secretary, Impact.

In 2016 the conference was held in Killarney and these cyclists were joined by fellow trade union members and raised a substantial amount for four charities of which SouthWest Counselling Centre was one.

In the presentation of the cheque,for €8,000, Kevin O'Malley, Impact honorary treasurer and Kerry branch chairman, was filled with praise for the work that SouthWest Counselling Centre has done over 22 years, citing that often it goes unacknowledged after a client has been helped. The Kerry branch donated an additional amount as a token of their appreciation.

“The board of management, the staff and the clients of SWCC are very grateful to the Impact trade union, which showed another side to the union, which is very thoughtful and supportive of charities, having raised over €100,000 in the five years these cyclists have raised funds whilst clearly having fun!” said Lindsay Fredman, CEO, SouthWest Counselling Centre.

The cash will facilitate the continued provision of our affordable professional counselling which is unique in Kerry in that we offer counselling across the lifespan all under one service, she added. “The funds raised will ensure that provision of services to the most vulnerable in our community will allow us to continue to provide a lifeline for many people who are overwhelmed with despair, and through the process of counselling are able to find hope,” said Lindsay.

“SouthWest Counselling Centre will also use the funds raised to promote mental health wellbeing through workshops and materials focusing on healthy relationships, communication and ways to manage stress with youth, parents and older adults. By selecting us as a deserving charity it has elevated the visibility of the centre as well as counselling and mental health wellbeing, for which we are immensely grateful to the Impact trade union.”
 

 
Above: At a cheque presentation of €8,000 euro to Kerry LifeLine at SouthWest Counselling Centre following the Impact charity cycle from Dublin to Killarney were front from left, Dessie Robinson, assistant general secretary, Impact, Kevin O'Malley, Impact honorary treasurer, and Kerry Branch chairman, Lindsay Fredman, CEO, SouthWest Counselling Centre, and Eamonn Donnelly, national secretary Impact. Back from left are Ciara Irwin Foley, Denis Murphy, Nikki Wissell, Tim O'Leary and
Vera O'Leary. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH