MALLOW RAFT RUN BACK IN EASTER SLOT
FUNDRAISER GEARING UP FOR ITS 20TH OUTING
A FLOTILLA of weird and wonderful craft will take to the River Blackwater on Easter Sunday, April 1, for the popular annual Mallow Search & Rescue Fun Raft Race fundraiser.
Those magnificent men and women in their floating machines will once again attempt to ‘conquer the current’ as they race along a seven mile stretch of the river from Mallow Bridge to Killavullen.
Now in its 20th year, the raft run is Mallow Search & Rescue’s principal fundraiser, with proceeds going to help offset the cost of running the unit, which is estimated to run to more than €60,000 per annum.
Run on an entirely voluntary basis, the unit travels the length and breadth of the country each year assisting in search and recovery missions at the request of the emergency services and affected families.
Unit PRO Willie Walsh said as they receive no statutory funding, the raft run is a vitally important vehicle to raise the money needed to cover travel expenses, ongoing training and the cost of updating and purchasing lifesaving equipment.
“On average we get tasked to more than 30 incidents each year and our fuel bill alone can run to €10,000 per annum. We rely on the generosity of the public and donations to keep going, which is why the raft run is such and important event for us,” said Willie.
Last year the unit decided to switch the date of the run to September in the hope of attracting more people to participate. However, poor weather conditions meant that the run was delayed by a week with the result that entries were down considerably on previous years.
“This year we have decided to revert back to our original Easter Sunday date and given this is our 20th anniversary we hope to make it the biggest, best and most memorable yet,” said Willie.
“On behalf of the unit I would like to thank those who participate every year and hope that we see them, along with some new rafters, this year.
It really is a brilliant day out in aid of a great cause, so come along and enjoy the fun. If you can’t take part, feel free to come along on the day and donate a few bob,” he added.
Entry forms and sponsorship cards will be available shortly with more details about the raft run set to be posted on the Mallow Search & Rescue Facebook page.