‘Future focused and community led’ - Sanctuary Runners to be funded by Rethink Ireland
Nine future- focused and community-led non-profit groups from Munster have been announced as funding recipients for the First Rethink Ireland Sustainability- focused Fund, including Sanctuary Runners, the brainchild of Fermoy resident, Graham Clifford.
Sharing in funding totalling €762,375, the organisations will receive a package of cash grants and business support over a six month period. The aim of this funding is to help the awardees expand and increase their social impact.
Sanctuary Runners was founded in 2018 by Graham Clifford and Clare Keogh. Focussing on solidarity, friendship and respect with all in the community including, and especially, people seeking international protection, refugees and other migrants, it uses running, jogging and walking to bring people together. Working to make positive change, there are 40 groups across Ireland, including 13 groups in Munster.
Following the announcement, Annemarie Sheehan, Sanctuary Runners community development officer for Munster, said: “We know that Sanctuary Runners makes communities stronger and are a vital beacon of welcome and source of connection for those who come to make Ireland their home. The fund will allow us to imbed the impact we have made over the last number of years across north Cork and Munster, grow and support our groups in Mallow, Fermoy, Lismore and beyond, as well as support the creation of new groups".
Sanctuary Runners is open to everyone in the community from all nationalities and all abilities. For more information, e-mail annemarie@ sanctuaryrunners.ie
The nine organisations in Munster have been awarded under this first green transition-focused fund and along with the Sanctuary Runners, Cork based International Community Dynamics and Sample-Studios, Studios for Sanctuary, were among those to benefit. Also, Doon Social Farm, Ballyhoura Rural Services; the Learning Hub Limerick and Paint Punch Project, The Gaff Limerick were recipients.
Doon Social Farm is part of Ballyhoura Rural Services CLG, whose main aim is to deal with rural isolation and loneliness, will use the funding to further their social impact by targeting 12 schools across Limerick and Tipperary, meaning that 120 children will experience the fun in learning about food, farming, biodiversity and cooking simple, nutritious food. They also aim to recruit for a full-time group facilitator who will assist in the design and implementation of these programmes.
REWARDING INNOVATION
Now in its second year, the Impact Fund for Munster supports the sustainable development of Munster communities through funding social and/or environmental innovations that shape a more sustainable future for all.
This fund was open to organisations operating projects that fell under one of two categories: Climate Action and Environmental Awareness i.e. increasing sustainability, climate change education, increasing efforts in recycling, the circular economy, green production and waste awareness and/or; Community Inclusion and Cohesion i.e. generating a positive sense of belonging, particularly for marginalised groups.
Impact Fund for Munster is set up in partnership with several donors in the Munster region, including Tomar Trust, EI Electronics, Sunflower Charitable Foundation, the Parkes Family and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Rethink Ireland calls on Munster families and companies to come together and be part of the next Impact Fund for Munster.