A huge fundraising effort was launched in Cordal in early July and its weekend has arrived – almost. A whole range of events have been gathered around the annual Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Tractor Run – to which anything with wheels is being invited. The ‘Tractor Run’ will be held this Sunday, August 30th at 1.30 p.m. The run will start in Brosna and head towards Feale’s Bridge and to Headley’s Bridge on to Loughfouder, Glenharhan into Castleisland and finishing at Cordal Community Centre.
Free food, refreshments and family entertainment will be provided. Music by Dan Dan and Wallop the Cat will entertain families in the Cordal GAA Club Bar for the evening.
Endorsed by Henry Shefflin
The fundraisers are also very excited to have been given 30 minutes film time from Irish TV on the day. The whole series of events has been endorsed by Kilkenny hurling legend, Henry Shefflin – who was appointed to the Ray of Sunshine Foundation ambassadorial role following the death of Derek Davis earlier this year.
The effects of the fundraising effort will be felt by abused and deprived children in Eastern Africa.
Three local volunteers: Tina O’Mahony, Hannah Curtin and Charlie Farrelly have answered a plea issued by the Ray of Sunshine Foundation – an organisation which had the avid support of the late radio and TV personality, Derek Davis.
The Ray of Sunshine Foundation launched an appeal for volunteers from all over Ireland to help build a rescue centre for abused children in Mombasa, Kenya and the three locals responded.
Poorest of the Poor
“The foundation helps with aid to the poorest of the poor in underdeveloped countries having special regard for the plight of children particularly in regard to their educational and safety needs,” Tina explained.
“These children have no state funding nor do they have charitable organisations in Kenya to aid or stand up for them. Their only chance of an improved life is for volunteers to go to Kenya to help them.
The rescue centre will give them a chance of a brighter, better future and to improve their quality of life and set them up with the opportunity to get out of the poverty trap,” said Tina.
The local volunteers are heading off mid February 2016 for 12 days. They need to raise €3,000.00 each this year to cover the cost of the mercy mission. This is the requirement for anyone interested in volunteering to work with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation Kenya.
Vintage and Non Vintage Welcome
As part of the fundraising campaign they are to be the main beneficiaries of this year’s Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Tractor Run. A of €1,000 sum from the tractor run has been pledged to the Senior Citizens’ Homes in Tonbwee.
They are confident of a huge turn out of vintage and non vintage vehicles of all kinds with pledges of support from a club from Longford/Cavan/Louth.
As part of the Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Tractor Run a major raffle will be held with €1000 in prizes including: a full week’s passes to Listowel Races; €100 free bet on Kerry National; hotel weekend breaks; Spas; hampers and vouchers etc.
The organisers are still seeking donations of further prizes. Tickets are now on sale at a cost of €5 each or a book of three for €10.
Apart from the tractor run, Tina, Charlie and Hannah have organised a Fancy Dress Family 5k fun run, walk or jog for Friday, August 28th at 7pm and a flag day on Saturday 29th plus a ‘Castleisland to Kenya’ fundraising dance in the River Island Hotel on the night.
Rock with Rhythm and Sticks
One of Ireland’s top traditional /folk/rock band Rhythm and Sticks from the Longford-Cavan area are booked in for this gig and it promises to be a night not to be missed.
A trip like this has been a long term ambition for the three volunteers. The wheels were set in motion when Tina saw foundation founder, Olive Halpin and patron, the late Derek Davis on TV one morning.
They were appealing for volunteers and she rang later and got her application form. Once Hannah read the details she sent for her application soon after and Charlie decided to do likewise later on.
Anyone wishing to help in any way can contact: Tina O Mahony on 087 94 49 569 or Hannah Curtin on 087 76 96 274 or Charlie Farrelly on 087 20 56 150.
