Karen fundraising for ‘Building Blitz’
Dundalk businesswoman Karen McArdle will take part in her 16th building programme in the poorest parts of South Africa later this year.
Owner of Chaplin’s hair salon, Karen has been volunteering with the Mellon Educate charity, which has been building homes and schools for communities in South Africa for over 16 years.
Inspired by the work of the charity set up by Irish businessman Niall Mellon, Karen’s partner Martin joined her a number of years ago, and will later this year take part in his third building week.
Karen confirmed they will be hosting a pop up shop in the Longwalk shopping Centre from Tuesday next, May 29th to Saturday, June 2nd.
‘All monies raised will go towards building schools in South Africa this November,’ Karen told the Argus.
‘It will be my 16th building blitz and Martin’s third.’
Karen and Martin were part of a large contingent who last year took part in an ambitious building programme in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape area of South Africa.
Karen added ‘We hope to beat last year’s target!’
First founded by Irish man Niall Mellon to build homes for people living in squalor in Afri- can townships, the charity has in recent years been focusing on creating schools for children.
‘It is an incredibly life changing experience to take part in, and we are still appealing for volunteers to join the 2018 blitz,’ said Karen.
To join the blitz volunteers must fundraise €4,500. Check out www.mellonedeucate.com