Bochelli’s present more than €13,000 to homeless charity
NUALA AND Declan McLoughlin of Bochelli’s in Greystones presented Wicklow Homeless Five Loaves with a cheque for €13,822.
The cheque was accepted by Annette Devanne, Tommy Gordon and Nora Hayden of Five Loaves.
The McLoughlin family raised the money in the community over Christmas, along with hosting a festive dinner for 100 people.
This was the second year they opened the doors of their Greystones restaurant on Christmas Day.
An appeal was put out before Christmas for clothing and other vital supplies and they were inundated with donations.
‘It was a truly lovely gesture and greatly appreciated by everyone at WH Five Loaves and our Ark Housing Project,’ said a Five Loaves spokesperson. Clients of Tiglin and other members of the community were also invited to the dinner.
Declan said that they had plenty of help and many volunteers looking after their guests on the day. Musician Austin Prior and DJ Paul Kelly entertained the diners and there was a wealth of dancing talent on the floor for the afternoon.
Manos bus service was on-hand with transport, as were a number of private individuals.
Declan said that donations of goods were made in abundance, with one chemist sending in bags of toiletries. Gloves, scarves, jeans and more were also donated.
Declan said that the entire community had come together to make Christmas day so special. He hopes that this will become an annual tradition in the town.