The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
€7,500 for three Kerry causes
FIONNBAR and Elma Walsh, Directors of the Donal Walsh #LiveLife Foundation, have said the €3,500 the charity has received from a Power Challenge fundraising event in Killarney will be used to further promote Donal’s message on the value of young peoples’ lives.
The #LiveLife Foundation was one of three charities to benefit from the grueling event, which saw more than 170 staff members at the ESB raise €7,500 for three Kerry-based charities. The other two beneficiaries were the equally delighted Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and Rathmore Social Action Group, who received €3,000 and €1,000 respectively.
The team-building and fundraising Power Challenge event took place in the National Park last September, with support from Cappanalea Outdoor Education and Training Centre, St John’s Ambulance, and other Kerry-based groups.
Organisers split the 175 ESB staff members into teams, with each partaking in challenges designed to test mental and physical skills.
“This contribution will be utilised to assist in the provision of appropriate teenage facilities where the Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation sees there is a need,” Fionnbar and Elma Walsh said of the funds at a special cheque presentation in Killarney last week. The foundation currently works with some 50,000 students nationwide in its efforts to continue the conversation on the value of life.
Alan Wallace is PRO for Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. Mr Wallace was most thankful for the €3,000 donation and explained that the funds will be used to purchase a new mountain rescue stretcher, and upgrades to two existing stretchers.
Rathmore Social Action Group Board of Directors Chairperson Jer O’Donoghue described the €1,000 contribution it received as generous and said his group would use the funding for food containers to deliver weekend ‘Meals on Wheels’ dinners to older adults in the community.
“Over 130 people use our service daily,” Mr O’Donoghue said. “This donation will help us to continue providing a beneficial and valuable service to those who want to continue to live independently.”