Camphill thrives on strength of huge local support
THE love of parents, the support of a community and the dedication of a team of caring co-workers was in abundant evidence throughout an open day at the Dingle Camphill community in Dún Síon on Sunday.
The highlight of the annual community event, now in its 11th year, was the opening of Camphill’s new house, which will accommodate five residents and their co-workers. The house, which is adjacent to the workshop built by Camphill in recent years, cost €400,000 to build, financed entirely by fundraising without any State support. However, there is still a loan to be paid off on the project and, although the house is ready for residents, no one can move in before a HIQA inspection is completed. We asked HIQA when this inspection is likely to take place, but there was no response by the time of going to press.
The Dingle Camphill Community, which currently has seven residents and three people who attend on a daily basis, operates on the principle of brotherliness (in economics), equality (of all people) and freedom (of religious belief ). The new house will accommodate an additional five residents and their co-workers – members of the Camphill Community who work with the residents and receive €40 pocket money per week.
Among those waiting to move into the new centre is Luke Graham, whose mother, Mags, has been a tireless campaigner for residential facilities for people with special needs over the past 22 years. Mags sincerely thanked the people of West Kerry for their support
Those who were strong supporters of Camphill from the beginning include Mike and Julie Hennessey, Stella Doyle and Peigí Uí Mhathúna. Celeste Slye who approached Michael O’Sullivan about the purchase of the land in Dún Síón, made possible by fund raising including the millenium medal project – organised by Marion and the late Michael Kavanagh – which raised €30,000.
The support is ongoing, and the list of supporters would fill more than these pages. That support is an essential part of the success of the community, according to founder member Betsie Konink.
“If people give it helps the work of the community. It can be help in digging, we have also recived sheep and assistance in how to manage them, as well advice on the type of cow suited to our farm,” said Betsie.
Dingle Rotary President Brian de Staic, presented a cheque for €8,114.60 at the open day to assist Camphill’s ongoing work, warmly thanking the people of Corca Dhuibhne for their generosity.
The depth of support for Camphill in West Kerry was further demonstrated last week with Dingle Cycling Club presenting a cheque for €7,000, while Alan Creedon presented a cheque for €5,000 that was raised locally in support of his epic walk from Manchester to Dingle in memory of his sister, Aoife, added to the €6,000 raised on his website, bringing the total he raised to €11,000. And then there was Mags Graham’s mother, Eileen O’Grady from Ballyduff, who insisted that she didn’t want any presents on her recent birthday and instead gathered donations which she duly passed on to the Camphill community.
The Camphill philosophy is that no matter what an individual’s disability may appear to be, the spirit – the essential core that makes us human – always remains whole. So everyone deserves equal respect and opportunities in life so that all may be able to fulfil their potential.
In every Camphill comunity commited ‘co-workers’ assist residents to fulfill their potential, guided by Steiner principles.
Rudolf Steiner was greatly supported in his work by Emil Molt, the grandfather of Dingle’s Sophia Christine Murphy. The family support continues through the generations – the Murphy family were at the open day and their ice cream was enjoyed by many!