Static cycle fundraiser at Sligo Junction

CUSTOMERS are being to support staff in the Tour De Mace static cycle event at the Mace store at Sligo Junction in Collooney on Saturday next, July 17, to raise funds for the retail chain’s official charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland.

Staff and customers can donate 15 minutes to 1 hour of their time to cycle and contribute much-needed funds to Down Syndrome Ireland. People can sign up beforehand by calling into the store to select their cycling time slot or else they can sign up on the day.

The event will be fully Covid19 compliant with the static bike located outside the store away from the entrance. Social distancing will be strictly adhered to and each cyclist will be isolated when they are cycling. The bikes and their surrounds will be thoroughly sanitised between each cyclist.

Dermot Fallon, owner of the Mace store at Sligo Junction, said he hoped people would support the event.

“We want to encourage as many of our customers to join in if they feel comfortable doing so. We will be adhering to the strictest Covid-19 sanitising protocols but if customers simply want to donate to this great charity without cycling that is great too.”

Since adopting Down Syndrome Ireland as official charity partner in 2017, Mace retailers have engaged in a number of initiatives to raise awareness and funds for the worthy charity and have raised nearly €200,000 in that time.

This year, for the first time ever, Mace renewed the partnership for a further two years with all funds raised going to support a new online education course for every adult aged over 29 with Down Syndrome in Ireland.

‘Ability Online’ will provide support to adults aged over 29 with Down Syndrome who are struggling with isolation and job losses as a result of Covid-19. The course, which will run every 10 weeks, can be delivered remotely and combines online tasks and group Zoom discussions.

RIGHT: Rosaleen Kilcullen, Joe Cassidy and Niamh Kerins of the Mace store at Sligo Junction, Collooney.